Ubisoft's Acquisition of Ivory Tower Raises Concerns in Gaming Industry

The Crew: A Look at the Rise and Fall of an Online Racing Game

In 2014, Ivory Tower released The Crew, a racing game that promised an expansive map of the USA but fell short in some areas. Despite its flaws, the game offered a unique experience with its massive open world. However, recent developments have brought The Crew's future into question.

Ubisoft's acquisition of Ivory Tower in 2015 marked a new chapter for the studio. The Crew's shutdown in 2024 due to licensing constraints has raised concerns about the preservation of online-only games. Unlike other delisted games that remain playable offline, The Crew's complete deactivation has left players unable to access any part of the game, including single-player modes.

This incident highlights the challenges of game preservation in an era of always-online titles. While some developers, like Polyphony Digital with Gran Turismo Sport, have found ways to ensure offline playability after server shutdowns, others have not followed suit.

As the gaming industry grapples with the issue of preserving digital content, the fate of games like The Crew serves as a cautionary tale. Players and developers alike are reminded of the importance of finding solutions that balance online connectivity with long-term accessibility.