I’m a disk guy. You purchase a movie or a game on a disc and that’s it – you own it forever. But things aren’t as simple with digital downloads.
One big criticism has always been that digital purchases allow publishers to revoke access to content you own. And that’s exactly what is happening with one Assassin’s Creed game.
Last week, Ubisoft announced it will shut down multiplayer for older games on September 1st. The company also confirmed they’d be making some DLC completely inaccessible. Included in the shut downs were Far Cry 3, Splinter Cell: Blacklist, and numerous Assassin’s Creed titles.
As far as Assassin’s Creed games go, the reduced access seemed to be limited to multiplayer only. However, one Assassin’s Creed game’s listing now says it will be completely inaccessible – even for those who already own it.
Assassin’s Creed game will be unplayable from September
Assassin’s Creed is one of the most popular video game series in the world. It has legions of diehard fans who own and have played every single instalment.
However, if they want to do a complete re-play of the series with their existing collection, they will have to be quick.
Per its Steam listing, Assassin’s Creed: Liberation HD “will not be accessible following September 1st, 2022.”
Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD is the PC and console port of the original PlayStation Vita title. It is a full spin-off game of Assassin’s Creed III.
Liberation is set in the late eighteenth century and follows French Assassin Aveline de Grandpré. She was the series’ first female protagonist and battles the Templars efforts to gain control of New Orleans.
Also included in Ubisoft’s list of restricted games are Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, and Assassin’s Creed III. However, the Steam listings of those titles do not indicate they will be made completely unplayable like Liberation. Owners will simply be unable to play multiplayer.
Why are Ubisoft doing this?
Ubisoft have said that restricting features and access to older games “allows us to focus our resources on delivering great experiences for players who are playing newer or more popular titles.”
While a case can be made for closing multiplayer on old titles, completely removing access to games that have been purchased is simply wrong.
As a consumer, once you have purchased a digital movie or game, you should get to keep it forever. You paid your hard earned money, you own it. Ubisoft taking this step is plainly anti-consumer. It’s just another reason why physical purchases will always be better for customers.
Ubisoft aren’t the only ones doing it, either.
Last week it was announced that purchased Studio Canal movies will be removed from the PlayStation Store and owner’s video libraries in Austria and Germany.
In that case, Sony explained the removal stemmed from a licensing issue:
“As of August 31, 2022, due to our evolving licensing agreements with content providers, you will no longer be able to view your previously purchased Studio Canal content and it will be removed from your video library.”
PlayStation website.
Still, it means customers who purchased Studio Canal movies will be unable to watch them from August 31st 2022. The website made no mention of refunds.
How To Play Assassin’s Creed: Liberation
For fans and previous owners of Assassin’s Creed: Liberation who may want to go back and play the game on PC, there is one solution. But it’s far from ideal.
To play Assassin Creed: Liberation, fans will need to purchase Assassin’s Creed III: Remastered. It also includes Liberation and carries the benefit of enhanced visuals and modified gameplay mechanics.
Are you disappointed about Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed decision? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
