Randrye Posted 21 hours ago Here we are. Subs in .vtt to strategically move them away from on-screen text WEBVTT 00:00:00.300 --> 00:00:04.000 Hello! I have some news on the Stop Killing Games campaign. 00:00:04.400 --> 00:00:06.887 Arguably our biggest news so far. 00:00:07.450 --> 00:00:10.906 Actually, I have two items, so I'll just jump right in. 00:00:11.400 --> 00:00:16.250 The UFC-Que Choisir, a major consumer advocacy group in France, 00:00:16.250 --> 00:00:20.300 is suing Ubisoft over removing <i>The Crew</i> from customers. 00:00:20.733 --> 00:00:22.253 This is a big deal. 00:00:22.750 --> 00:00:26.300 I'll go over why, but let's look at what they have to say. 00:00:26.300 --> 00:00:29.466 Now, the version I'm reading is translated from French, 00:00:29.467 --> 00:00:32.933 so it's possible the wording here may not be 100% accurate, 00:00:32.934 --> 00:00:35.300 but it's good enough for the broad strokes. 00:00:35.300 --> 00:00:39.466 The UFC is suing Ubisoft in the Créteil Judicial Court 00:00:39.467 --> 00:00:42.226 following the shutdown of the servers for <i>The Crew.</i> 00:00:42.226 --> 00:00:45.976 "This unilateral decision rendered the game completely unusable, 00:00:45.977 --> 00:00:49.533 "depriving consumers of any access to a game they had purchased 00:00:49.534 --> 00:00:53.276 "without having ever been informed of any 'expiration date.'" 00:00:53.276 --> 00:00:56.433 You know, I like how they're putting "expiration date" in quotes, 00:00:56.434 --> 00:01:01.298 because games are code. If the storage medium is good, they can last forever. 00:01:01.376 --> 00:01:03.566 Hey, here's a <i>book.</i> 00:01:03.567 --> 00:01:06.976 When do the words in the book expire? 00:01:06.977 --> 00:01:08.533 Similar concept. 00:01:09.076 --> 00:01:12.426 Now, of course, the platform the code runs on can change, 00:01:12.426 --> 00:01:14.751 but that's not the game maker's fault. 00:01:14.751 --> 00:01:17.976 And I know a few out there are saying, "I don't understand. 00:01:17.977 --> 00:01:21.733 "Games can also depend on code not on the customer system, 00:01:21.734 --> 00:01:24.076 "or sometimes even the publisher's." 00:01:24.076 --> 00:01:27.366 Yes, and doing that with no end-of-life plan 00:01:27.367 --> 00:01:30.311 is exactly why Ubisoft is getting into trouble. 00:01:30.676 --> 00:01:31.876 Let's continue. 00:01:32.026 --> 00:01:35.034 "Supported by the 'Stop Killing Games' movement, 00:01:35.721 --> 00:01:40.226 "the association intends to obtain a crucial court ruling on the following question: 00:01:40.226 --> 00:01:44.486 "Does the purchase of a video game, in physical or digital format, 00:01:44.487 --> 00:01:47.666 "allow players to claim, at a minimum, a right of use 00:01:47.667 --> 00:01:51.867 "totally independent of the sole will and authorization of the publisher? 00:01:51.867 --> 00:01:56.466 "For the UFC-Que Choisir, the answer is obviously YES, 00:01:56.467 --> 00:02:01.193 "which is why, through this action, it is demanding the removal of certain unfair terms 00:02:01.194 --> 00:02:05.400 "from Ubisoft's contractual conditions and the cessation of commercial practices 00:02:05.401 --> 00:02:08.693 "that it considers misleading to the detriment of consumers." 00:02:08.693 --> 00:02:14.433 "UFC-Que Choisir believes that by abruptly depriving players of all access to <i>The Crew,</i> 00:02:14.434 --> 00:02:18.020 Ubisoft has violated fundamental consumer rights." 00:02:18.021 --> 00:02:22.300 "It is unacceptable that Ubisoft considers, in its terms and conditions, 00:02:22.301 --> 00:02:26.126 "that players acquire only a simple 'license to use' the game, 00:02:26.126 --> 00:02:29.426 "which would then be revocable at any time by the publisher." 00:02:29.426 --> 00:02:32.976 Exactly. And look at the terms they're contesting: 00:02:32.977 --> 00:02:37.076 "To deny consumers ownership rights over acquired game copies", 00:02:37.076 --> 00:02:39.926 "to remove all access to the game without guarantee 00:02:39.927 --> 00:02:43.576 "of maintaining an alternative mode of operation for consumers". 00:02:43.576 --> 00:02:47.466 Now here's an area that could be a language difference, or has some nuance. 00:02:47.467 --> 00:02:51.633 We of course don't think companies need to maintain <i>anything</i> once support ends. 00:02:51.633 --> 00:02:55.616 They just have to not destroy the damn game in the process. 00:02:55.616 --> 00:02:57.466 I think that's probably what they mean. 00:02:57.466 --> 00:03:00.433 "To make the use of the game subject to online services 00:03:00.434 --> 00:03:03.400 "that may be interrupted at any time by the publisher", 00:03:03.401 --> 00:03:07.100 and "to exclude any refund of sums credited by consumers 00:03:07.101 --> 00:03:09.466 "to their Ubisoft electronic wallet." 00:03:09.466 --> 00:03:11.966 Okay, the wallet part I'm a little unclear on, 00:03:11.967 --> 00:03:16.166 since that sounds like an additional issue Ubisoft might be in trouble with. 00:03:16.167 --> 00:03:18.233 The wording on this sounds like Ubisoft might have been 00:03:18.234 --> 00:03:21.567 fleecing people another way with digital wallets <i>also.</i> 00:03:22.366 --> 00:03:24.733 That's not Stop Killing Games' issue, 00:03:24.734 --> 00:03:29.800 but we're certainly not complaining if the UFC is adding that to their lawsuit. 00:03:29.800 --> 00:03:33.066 What I find more interesting is the part above that, 00:03:33.066 --> 00:03:35.966 about not making the game depend on online services 00:03:35.967 --> 00:03:38.646 that can be turned off in the first place. 00:03:38.647 --> 00:03:41.646 That's a more radical stance than what I've been aiming for. 00:03:41.647 --> 00:03:43.406 Not because I'm against it, 00:03:43.407 --> 00:03:48.646 but because this has been such an uphill battle for us every step of the way. 00:03:48.647 --> 00:03:54.016 So I wanted to maximize our odds of success, and that's an even bigger ask. 00:03:54.536 --> 00:04:00.166 So thank you, UFC, for pushing the Overton window past where <i>I</i> am. 00:04:00.167 --> 00:04:02.901 With a lawsuit no less. 00:04:02.901 --> 00:04:07.066 I've seen many comments similar to this before, saying publishers shouldn't 00:04:07.067 --> 00:04:10.971 make games require a connection to them if they don't need to. 00:04:11.100 --> 00:04:13.100 line:20% I've never pushed that argument, 00:04:13.101 --> 00:04:18.026 line:20% because you can bet publishers will insist they always "need to" 00:04:18.027 --> 00:04:20.066 line:20% for every game they do it in. 00:04:20.067 --> 00:04:23.000 line:20% They could just argue that they need it to prevent piracy, 00:04:23.001 --> 00:04:27.733 or to ensure their microtransactions aren't enabled by users offline. 00:04:27.733 --> 00:04:32.326 Well, under that logic, they "need" to make the game connect to them. 00:04:32.920 --> 00:04:36.113 And on the flip side, I can't think of any game 00:04:36.114 --> 00:04:38.833 that "needs" to be hosted by the publisher 00:04:38.834 --> 00:04:41.890 if the customer has access to the right software. 00:04:41.890 --> 00:04:47.533 I mean, there are customer-hosted private servers for multiple MMORPGs today, 00:04:47.533 --> 00:04:50.433 some of which can host thousands of players. 00:04:50.583 --> 00:04:54.083 So that line of argument always felt more like a values clash, 00:04:54.083 --> 00:04:56.666 and was too subjective for me to run with it. 00:04:56.667 --> 00:05:00.566 But hell, if the UFC wants to, in court, great. 00:05:01.219 --> 00:05:03.493 "Beyond these contractual clauses, 00:05:03.494 --> 00:05:06.700 "[the UFC] also points to misleading commercial practices 00:05:06.701 --> 00:05:08.984 "surrounding the sale of the game <i>The Crew:</i> 00:05:08.997 --> 00:05:10.900 "players were never fairly informed 00:05:10.901 --> 00:05:15.083 "about the potentially temporary nature of access to the game they were buying." 00:05:15.083 --> 00:05:19.283 Okay, this is the whole "labeling" argument, which I'm not a fan of. 00:05:19.283 --> 00:05:22.474 Now you might think, "Well, isn't this still pro-consumer?" 00:05:22.474 --> 00:05:24.693 Sort of. Here's the thing. 00:05:24.694 --> 00:05:26.400 If we solve <i>this,</i> 00:05:26.401 --> 00:05:29.433 removing all access to the game without any guarantee 00:05:29.434 --> 00:05:33.233 of maintaining an alternative mode of operation for consumers, 00:05:33.233 --> 00:05:37.983 then we don't <i>need</i> clear labeling, because then the problem isn't even present anymore. 00:05:37.984 --> 00:05:42.033 To their credit, Ubisoft <i>did</i> tell you they could screw you at any time 00:05:42.034 --> 00:05:44.934 when they sold <i>The Crew,</i> and many other games. 00:05:45.283 --> 00:05:48.800 Our issue has never been that they didn't say that clearly enough, 00:05:48.801 --> 00:05:52.183 but that they're engaged in this practice in the first place. 00:05:52.183 --> 00:05:55.133 But I don't know French legal procedures, 00:05:55.133 --> 00:05:58.083 so maybe this is just to buttress the larger issues 00:05:58.083 --> 00:06:00.533 to show they're screwing people every which way, 00:06:00.534 --> 00:06:02.983 and this wasn't just some honest mistake. 00:06:03.383 --> 00:06:06.766 "Through this legal action, UFC-Que Choisir 00:06:06.767 --> 00:06:09.793 "intends to put an end to these harmful practices, 00:06:09.794 --> 00:06:12.533 "obtain the removal of the disputed clauses, 00:06:12.533 --> 00:06:16.966 "and to have the harm done to the collective interests of consumers recognized." 00:06:16.966 --> 00:06:19.300 This is such a breath of fresh air. 00:06:19.883 --> 00:06:23.233 Over the years, I've gotten tired of hearing the argument 00:06:23.233 --> 00:06:25.983 that buying a game entitles you to nothing, 00:06:25.984 --> 00:06:27.733 and the only problem with that 00:06:27.734 --> 00:06:32.233 is that people aren't being told <i>clearly</i> that they're entitled to nothing. 00:06:32.233 --> 00:06:34.133 How about <i>no?</i> 00:06:34.133 --> 00:06:36.813 How about we just enforce basic rights 00:06:36.814 --> 00:06:41.358 and stop publishers from selling games based on scam business practices? 00:06:41.833 --> 00:06:43.183 Oh, and look at this: 00:06:43.183 --> 00:06:47.633 "The case of <i>The Crew</i> illustrates a worrying trend in the video game market. 00:06:47.634 --> 00:06:50.766 "more and more games require a constant internet connection, 00:06:50.767 --> 00:06:55.500 "allowing publishers to remotely disable games legitimately purchased by consumers 00:06:55.501 --> 00:06:58.866 "without justification or alternative solutions." 00:06:58.867 --> 00:07:00.633 Damn <i>straight</i>. 00:07:00.634 --> 00:07:04.253 "This trend is also accompanied by other problematic issues, 00:07:04.254 --> 00:07:09.983 "such as the growing reliance on paid [DLC] and arbitrary banning of user accounts." 00:07:09.984 --> 00:07:15.233 Look at the UFC pushing that Overton window! Swinging for the fences! 00:07:15.233 --> 00:07:18.433 Then they go on to point out how they've been bros in the past, 00:07:18.434 --> 00:07:24.133 taking on unjust bans and planned obsolescence of Nintendo Switch controllers. 00:07:24.133 --> 00:07:28.033 Then they talk about how this is a problem for preservation, and end it with: 00:07:28.034 --> 00:07:30.120 "a game purchased by a consumer 00:07:30.121 --> 00:07:33.971 "cannot literally disappear at the sole whim of its publisher." 00:07:33.978 --> 00:07:36.280 Well, unfortunately, it can, 00:07:36.281 --> 00:07:39.865 but it shouldn't, and that's what we're trying to change. 00:07:40.033 --> 00:07:42.083 But that is <i>outstanding.</i> 00:07:42.083 --> 00:07:45.859 I know I sure appreciate the UFC taking this issue to court. 00:07:46.383 --> 00:07:51.503 Now, I confess, I've actually known this was coming for a while now, over a year. 00:07:52.233 --> 00:07:56.083 I didn't know when, but I was told not to say anything about it 00:07:56.083 --> 00:07:58.633 until it was official, so I didn't. 00:07:59.083 --> 00:08:03.051 All I was allowed to say was that the UFC <i>might</i> look into this. 00:08:03.333 --> 00:08:04.983 Well, they did. 00:08:05.389 --> 00:08:07.346 Now I'm very happy about this, 00:08:07.347 --> 00:08:12.283 because I think this is actually the first concrete action to come out of the campaign. 00:08:12.283 --> 00:08:15.333 I mean, sure, we've done government petitions, 00:08:15.333 --> 00:08:18.433 gotten the signatures for the European Citizens' Initiative, 00:08:18.433 --> 00:08:22.458 filed complaints to consumer agencies, talked to the EU Commission, 00:08:22.458 --> 00:08:25.850 but that's all just been asking for help, essentially. 00:08:25.883 --> 00:08:27.323 This is different. 00:08:27.533 --> 00:08:32.589 This is pressing charges against the company for breaking the law on this issue. 00:08:33.232 --> 00:08:35.833 Now, some may point out that Ubisoft already 00:08:35.834 --> 00:08:39.382 had another lawsuit going on over <i>The Crew</i> in California, 00:08:39.383 --> 00:08:43.000 but I've said before in another video, that wasn't us, 00:08:43.001 --> 00:08:47.033 and even if that one's successful, I think it will be on a technicality, 00:08:47.034 --> 00:08:49.983 and won't prevent future games from being destroyed. 00:08:49.984 --> 00:08:55.800 This one from the UFC, however, is the real deal, and could shift industry behavior. 00:08:55.801 --> 00:08:58.268 And it's taken two years to get here. 00:08:58.883 --> 00:09:04.433 I see all this like planting seeds, and this is the first sprout to come out of the soil. 00:09:04.433 --> 00:09:07.166 Well, we've been planting a lot of seeds. 00:09:07.333 --> 00:09:11.483 It's worth mentioning that our complaints sent to the DGCCRF earlier, 00:09:11.483 --> 00:09:15.963 France's consumer protection agency, are completely separate from this. 00:09:16.383 --> 00:09:19.050 The decision from them is still ongoing, 00:09:19.183 --> 00:09:22.683 so Ubisoft might be facing three lawsuits for all I know. 00:09:22.683 --> 00:09:23.883 Or maybe more! 00:09:24.333 --> 00:09:27.320 France's consumer laws are not radically different 00:09:27.321 --> 00:09:30.483 from many other countries across the European Union. 00:09:30.483 --> 00:09:32.913 So while they're certainly leading the charge, 00:09:32.913 --> 00:09:36.580 it's possible we could see penalties emerging down the line for publishers 00:09:36.581 --> 00:09:42.183 engaged in this practice from Germany, Spain, Sweden, Poland, and so on. 00:09:42.183 --> 00:09:45.300 Now, that's all going to take a lot of time and organization, 00:09:45.300 --> 00:09:48.820 but this is a big step towards getting the law enforced. 00:09:48.820 --> 00:09:53.684 The more attention and transparency this issue gets, the better it is for us. 00:09:54.283 --> 00:09:58.383 Yeah, that's one area where we disagree with the industry a little bit. 00:09:58.383 --> 00:10:01.066 We don't think it's <i>customers</i> that are the ones that need to be 00:10:01.067 --> 00:10:03.833 better informed about what publishers are doing. 00:10:03.833 --> 00:10:09.145 We think it's judges and regulators that should be more clearly informed about that. 00:10:09.183 --> 00:10:11.833 And it's worth mentioning, this is all happening at a time 00:10:11.834 --> 00:10:15.866 where we still have no new law on the issue of game destruction. 00:10:16.008 --> 00:10:21.166 We're certainly trying to do that also, since that will make this all go faster and easier, 00:10:21.167 --> 00:10:25.686 but Ubisoft is getting sued on the grounds of existing law in France. 00:10:26.183 --> 00:10:28.080 Which means if they're found guilty, 00:10:28.081 --> 00:10:32.333 that could open up the door for the rest of the industry engaged in this practice. 00:10:32.333 --> 00:10:37.773 Believe it or not, our goal isn't actually to dogpile on Ubisoft. That's coincidental. 00:10:38.133 --> 00:10:42.533 They just made themselves the perfect target to get the ball rolling out of all of this. 00:10:42.534 --> 00:10:45.583 It's a much bigger issue across the video games industry. 00:10:45.583 --> 00:10:49.673 Ironically, Ubisoft themselves released server source code 00:10:49.674 --> 00:10:52.406 to <i>World in Conflict</i> after shutdown, 00:10:52.407 --> 00:10:57.033 preserving its online multiplayer, which is above and beyond what we're asking for. 00:10:57.033 --> 00:10:59.400 So sometimes they're going the extra distance 00:10:59.401 --> 00:11:02.813 by doing more than anyone expects for preservation, 00:11:02.814 --> 00:11:05.700 and other times they're likely breaking the law 00:11:05.701 --> 00:11:08.983 in order to not do the bare minimum of responsibility. 00:11:09.483 --> 00:11:12.783 It's just kind of chaotic behavior, really. 00:11:12.783 --> 00:11:15.033 Anyway, another reason I'm happy about this, 00:11:15.034 --> 00:11:18.283 is this kind of validates what I've been saying for years now. 00:11:18.283 --> 00:11:21.983 That the practice of game destruction is so consumer-hostile, 00:11:21.984 --> 00:11:25.568 I really think it does violate the law in many countries. 00:11:25.633 --> 00:11:27.073 Especially France! 00:11:27.483 --> 00:11:30.406 However, I'm still just a chump YouTuber, 00:11:30.407 --> 00:11:34.183 so I realize I don't have the credibility for many people to believe that. 00:11:34.183 --> 00:11:35.916 Even when I have evidence. 00:11:36.133 --> 00:11:39.283 But the UFC's actions speak volumes. 00:11:39.283 --> 00:11:41.400 They never would have started a lawsuit 00:11:41.401 --> 00:11:44.183 if they didn't think there was a legal basis for it. 00:11:44.183 --> 00:11:47.083 Now gamers are not known for their patience. 00:11:47.733 --> 00:11:52.021 Except maybe <i>Half-Life</i> or <i>Star Citizen</i> fans. They're pretty patient. 00:11:52.596 --> 00:11:57.066 So I can understand why there's skepticism of Stop Killing Games accomplishing things, 00:11:57.067 --> 00:11:59.267 because it has taken a long time. 00:11:59.533 --> 00:12:03.949 Government moves slowly, but things are moving, and this is the proof. 00:12:04.733 --> 00:12:08.083 I really think we're going to win this in the long term. 00:12:08.083 --> 00:12:10.260 Okay, so that's the first news. 00:12:10.619 --> 00:12:13.200 The other news is the European Citizens' Initiative 00:12:13.201 --> 00:12:17.425 will be having its official hearing in EU Parliament on April 16th. 00:12:18.133 --> 00:12:22.166 Now as I understand it, we already have Parliament majority support. 00:12:22.167 --> 00:12:24.683 But this is going to boost it even more. 00:12:24.683 --> 00:12:26.866 And to escalate things on my end, 00:12:26.867 --> 00:12:30.515 apparently I'm going to be invited to attend as a speaker. 00:12:31.383 --> 00:12:35.300 Now I never even knew that was an option until a few days ago. 00:12:35.301 --> 00:12:38.333 I thought at most all I could be was an observer. 00:12:38.333 --> 00:12:41.083 I wasn't even sure if there was a point in me attending. 00:12:41.083 --> 00:12:44.731 But no, apparently the Initiative wants me to speak there. 00:12:45.233 --> 00:12:47.100 I do not know how much. 00:12:47.533 --> 00:12:49.733 There will be lawyers and developers there, 00:12:49.734 --> 00:12:53.083 so I don't think I'll have to speak on anything too specialized. 00:12:53.083 --> 00:12:57.947 If I had to guess, I think they want me to tag along for miscellaneous stuff. 00:12:58.133 --> 00:13:03.253 I'd say the things I have going for me on this are I'm <i>very</i> aware of the problem, 00:13:03.383 --> 00:13:07.283 and I've probably heard every opposition argument under the sun 00:13:07.283 --> 00:13:11.233 as to why companies should be allowed to destroy games you've paid for. 00:13:11.233 --> 00:13:13.933 I can swat that stuff down all day. 00:13:14.733 --> 00:13:19.033 So I guess I'm going to EU Parliament in a few weeks. 00:13:19.033 --> 00:13:22.566 Oh yeah, I'm sure I'll look like I belong there. 00:13:23.532 --> 00:13:26.313 Now later that day there's going to be another press conference. 00:13:26.314 --> 00:13:28.647 This one may be bigger than before. 00:13:29.033 --> 00:13:32.633 And I've been asked to mention Alderaan Games is helping to sponsor that, 00:13:32.634 --> 00:13:34.666 which makes <i>Path of Titans.</i> 00:13:34.667 --> 00:13:38.984 They're not sponsoring this video, though. I'm saying this voluntarily. 00:13:38.984 --> 00:13:42.866 And I should mention we've also had help before from the game <i>Torn.</i> 00:13:42.866 --> 00:13:46.115 I like the irony that both of these are online games, 00:13:46.115 --> 00:13:49.865 so clearly <i>they</i> think they can handle an end-of-life plan. 00:13:49.866 --> 00:13:53.740 And joining with Stop Killing Games is DoesItPlay.org, 00:13:53.753 --> 00:13:56.233 which might be the best index around for determining 00:13:56.234 --> 00:13:58.878 how safe physical copies of games are. 00:13:59.215 --> 00:14:02.673 I'll almost certainly be talking at the press conference. 00:14:02.674 --> 00:14:07.858 I might even be the host. It depends on if we can find someone better before then. 00:14:07.915 --> 00:14:12.865 Speaking of which, if you're a streamer, YouTuber, or just press in general, 00:14:12.889 --> 00:14:18.314 and you would like to attend, either in person or online, let us know. 00:14:18.315 --> 00:14:21.965 You'll likely be able to ask questions and be part of the conversation. 00:14:21.965 --> 00:14:25.865 line:20% Contact this email for Stop Killing Games. 00:14:25.866 --> 00:14:28.615 line:20% This is a new one being set up by the NGO. 00:14:28.615 --> 00:14:31.215 line:20% Anything official, you should send here. 00:14:31.415 --> 00:14:34.480 line:20% Now the website, StopKillingGames.com, 00:14:34.481 --> 00:14:37.766 line:20% still has my personal mail, since that's left over from the beginning, 00:14:37.767 --> 00:14:39.900 line:20% where I had to play the role of lighthouse keeper, 00:14:39.901 --> 00:14:42.115 line:20% otherwise things would have fallen apart. 00:14:42.115 --> 00:14:45.193 line:20% You can still contact me personally about whatever, 00:14:45.194 --> 00:14:48.300 line:20% but anything specifically for the Stop Killing Games movement 00:14:48.301 --> 00:14:50.486 line:20% should be sent to the new address. 00:14:50.487 --> 00:14:52.060 Speaking of which, 00:14:52.061 --> 00:14:56.133 the website, as it is now, is going to be retired in the near future, 00:14:56.134 --> 00:14:58.800 as it's mostly served its purpose on my end. 00:14:58.800 --> 00:15:01.467 You're welcome to back it up if you want. 00:15:01.467 --> 00:15:05.866 I intend to hand it over to the NGO for them to do whatever they want with it. 00:15:05.866 --> 00:15:08.033 I don't even know all their plans, 00:15:08.034 --> 00:15:11.066 but I hope watchdog action, similar to what we do with <i>The Crew,</i> 00:15:11.067 --> 00:15:13.200 is part of it in the future for other games. 00:15:14.200 --> 00:15:15.813 Alright, that's it. 00:15:15.814 --> 00:15:20.413 Ubisoft is getting sued, and I have a bunch of homework to do for EU Parliament. 00:15:20.414 --> 00:15:21.614 See ya! 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