Ubisoft Entertainment, a major global video game publisher, is currently facing multiple lawsuits in 2025 relating to issues such as data privacy, consumer protection, and digital ownership rights. These legal challenges highlight growing tensions in the gaming industry over player data collection practices, game shutdowns, and licensing disputes. This overview covers the prominent Ubisoft lawsuits, including the class action over the shutdown of popular online game The Crew, privacy concerns involving data sharing with Meta (Facebook), and broader implications for digital gaming consumers.
The Crew Game Shutdown Lawsuit
In late 2024, Ubisoft shuttered the servers for the 2014 online-only racing game The Crew, delisting it from digital storefronts and ending all online play by March 31, 2024. Players accustomed to accessing the game raised a lawsuit alleging that Ubisoft misled consumers by selling what appeared to be permanent game ownership when, in fact, they acquired a temporary license contingent on ongoing server support.
The plaintiffs argue that this practice violated California consumer protection laws by failing to disclose the limited nature of the license and by allowing in-game currency (“crew credits”), which plaintiffs likened to gift cards, to expire post-shutdown. Ubisoft defends itself by citing packaging notices about the game’s online-only nature and 30-day shutdown warning, asserting consumers received the agreed benefits while servers were active.
The suit also addresses the broader issue of digital ownership, questioning what consumers truly purchase when buying games heavily dependent on online infrastructure. This case reflects wider industry challenges as digital distribution and live-service models become prevalent.
Data Privacy and Tracking Lawsuit
Ubisoft was named in a class action lawsuit in early 2025 alleging violations of privacy laws including the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), and Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). The suit contends Ubisoft improperly collected and shared user data with Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) via tracking pixels embedded in Ubisoft’s websites.
Plaintiffs claim this data sharing occurred without proper user consent, exposing personally identifiable information and detailed browsing behaviors. However, a California federal judge dismissed these claims in April 2025 based on Ubisoft’s robust consent mechanisms and disclosures, marking an important judicial win for the company.
Legal and Industry Implications
These lawsuits exemplify the growing complexity of legal accountability as video game companies leverage evolving technologies and digital distribution models. Issues surrounding permanency of digital purchases, expiration of virtual currency, and data privacy compliance pose significant challenges to publishers, consumers, and regulators alike.
Ubisoft’s legal defenses highlight reliance on contractual disclaimers and consent frameworks, underscoring the importance of transparent communication with consumers to avoid litigation.
Conclusion
Ubisoft’s 2025 lawsuits illuminate pressing legal debates at the intersection of technology, consumer rights, and privacy in the gaming industry. The outcomes will likely influence best practices and regulatory standards governing digital ownership, data handling, and user protections.
Gamers, consumers, and industry observers are advised to follow these developments closely as they shape the future landscape of interactive entertainment.
