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Ubisoft's controversial game ownership policy sparks outrage

Ubisoft's Ownership Policy | Gamers Push Back Against Rising Outrage

By

Diego Ramirez

Apr 15, 2025, 11:42 PM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

Updated

Apr 17, 2025, 01:26 PM

2 minutes of duration

A group of gamers protesting Ubisoft's new policies, holding signs demanding fair ownership rights in gaming.
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A growing wave of dissent is surfacing within the gaming community as Ubisoftโ€™s tightened digital ownership policy stirs significant backlash. Many players are uniting behind a petition focused on challenging what some term the demise of gaming ownership. Since its launch, however, the movement has only garnered around 20,000 signatures in three months, prompting frustrations among supporters.

The Heart of the Controversy

Ubisoftโ€™s latest move has ignited substantial unrest as players fret about the rights tied to their digital purchases. The implications of stringent Digital Rights Management (DRM) are a prime concern, leading to wider criticism aimed at not only Ubisoft but also platforms like Steam, where players feel their ownership is increasingly compromised.

Interestingly, the comments section reflects a range of sentiments. As one player noted, โ€œThe trend for always-on internet connections is only recentthese corporate masters are only worthy of contempt.โ€ Moreover, another participant highlighted, โ€œSteam is DRM itself and a non-trivial part of how we wound up where we are.โ€

There's also frustration over the petition's restrictions, only allowing EU citizens to participate. "If this was worldwide, we couldโ€™ve reached the goal!โ€ commented a user. This has even spurred jokes about marrying for citizenship to sign the petition, a playful dig at the barriers in place that limit wider support.

Voices from the Community

Outrage and hope echo throughout the gaming forums. One individual exclaimed, โ€œ1 million valid signatures makes it so the EU Commission has to start a discussion.โ€ Others express skepticism about the petition's capacity to enact change. โ€œI agree with the sentiment, but is there anything forcing anyone to listen to this petition if it does get enough signatures?โ€

Moreover, community members are urging for a shift in strategy, questioning whether boycotts have ever yielded success in the past. โ€œMany feel that what weโ€™re doing is trying something that has never been done before, so it MIGHT work,โ€ a user discussed, indicating a blend of pessimism and determination regarding the potential outcomes of their efforts.

Exploring New Solutions

As the conversation grows, several themes emerge among comments. Players are considering pathways to enhance participation. โ€œIf youโ€™re an EU or UK citizen, you can sign as long as you have the proper information.โ€ Even among non-EU gamers, ideas are being shared on how to support the cause.

The communityโ€™s resolve to reclaim ownership reflects a deep-seated frustration with the current state of digital rights across the industry.

Key Points to Remember

  • โšก 20,000+ signatures gather in three months, yet progress remains stunted.

  • โ—‡ โ€œSteam is DRM itself and a non-trivial part of how we wound upโ€ - community sentiment.

  • โ–ฝ Players advocate for transparency and clear limits on game expirations to foster better consumer awareness.

  • โณ Thereโ€™s a push for non-EU gamers to find innovative ways to support the petition.

Moving Forward

With sentiments growing stronger, players urge their EU peers to spearhead the fight against corporate policies limiting digital game ownership. As discussions unfold, the growing coalition seeks to make significant waves within the industry. Will their grassroots efforts reshape the future of gaming? Time will tell.

For ongoing analysis, check the Digital Rights Management overview or engage in discussions across various gaming forums to see how player perspectives are shifting.