Response to harsh criticism of "Stop Killing Games" from Thor of @PirateSoftware

Summary

The video script discusses the controversy surrounding the concept of game ownership, spurred by Ubisoft's server shutdown for 'The Crew', which affected its single-player mode. The script follows up on the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative, critiquing Thor's criticism from a developer's perspective. It addresses the need for clarity in game sales, distinguishing between purchases and services, and advocates for consumer rights to retain access to games they've bought, regardless of business models or licensing agreements.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video is a follow-up on the topic of game ownership and the 'Stop Killing Games' campaign initiated by Ross Scott in response to Ubisoft's server shutdowns affecting single-player modes.
• 🤔 The speaker expresses concern over the vagueness of the 'Stop Killing Games' EU initiative, suggesting it needs more specificity to avoid burdening game developers with the requirement to make games server-independent.
• 📘 The script highlights a conflict between game consumers who expect perpetual access to games they've purchased and game companies that may shut down servers, affecting game functionality.
• 🛠️ Criticism is raised about the initiative's potential impact on game development, with the argument that it could require significant changes in how games are designed and developed to accommodate server independence.
• 📝 The video discusses licensing agreements that might prevent game companies from providing certain codes or assets to consumers, even if they wanted to comply with server access requirements.
• 🗳️ The speaker criticizes the lack of understanding from politicians and industry lobbyists about the complexities of gaming and the potential negative effects of legislation on game developers.
• 💡 There's an emphasis on the importance of distinguishing between games sold as services and those sold as purchases, advocating for clear advertising to ensure consumers can make informed decisions.
• 🔄 The script addresses the impracticality of retroactively applying legislation to past games, suggesting that any new regulations should only apply to future developments.
• 🏢 The video touches on the challenges of providing support for games that require server infrastructure, especially if consumers were to set up their own servers.
• 🌐 The discussion includes the technical and infrastructural complexities of modern game development, such as reliance on cloud services and interconnected systems, which may not be easily replicated locally.
• 🛡️ The script advocates for consumer rights and the need for legislation that respects the concept of purchasing a game as a possession, rather than a temporary service.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video script?

The main issue discussed is the controversy surrounding the concept of 'ownership' of digital games, particularly in the context of Ubisoft's actions and the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative.

What was the problem with Ubisoft's handling of the game 'The Crew'?

The problem was that after Ubisoft shut down the server for 'The Crew', the single-player mode, which was a significant part of the game, became unplayable, causing frustration among consumers who had purchased the game.

Who is Mr. Ross Scott and what is his initiative called?

Mr. Ross Scott is an individual who created an initiative called 'Stop Killing Games' in response to the issue of game companies taking away the ability to play games that consumers had purchased.

What is the criticism of the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative according to Mr. Pirat Software?

Mr. Pirat Software criticizes the initiative for being too vague, potentially burdening game developers, and for not considering the complexities of licensing agreements and the nature of live service games.

Why did the video creator disagree with the way people were responding to Mr. Pirat Software's criticism?

The video creator disagreed because they felt that Mr. Pirat Software was engaging in good faith by providing a developer's perspective, and that dismissing his points without consideration was inappropriate.

What is the video creator's stance on the application of the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative to existing games?

The video creator believes that the initiative should not apply retroactively to existing games, as it would be unreasonable and burdensome for developers to go back and patch old code.

What is the difference between a game sold as a 'purchase' and a game sold as a 'live service' according to the script?

A game sold as a 'purchase' implies ownership and the ability to continue playing the game indefinitely, whereas a game sold as a 'live service' is more akin to a subscription service that can be discontinued at any time.

What does the video creator suggest should be done to address the issue of game ownership and consumer rights?

The video creator suggests that there should be clear and honest advertising regarding what consumers are purchasing, whether it's a game with indefinite access or a service that may be discontinued.

What is the video creator's opinion on the potential impact of the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative on game development?

The video creator acknowledges that the initiative could potentially burden game developers with additional work to ensure their games comply with the new regulations, but also believes it's a necessary step towards ensuring consumer rights.

What is the significance of Article 17 in the context of the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative?

Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union is significant because it pertains to the protection of property rights, which the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative argues is being violated when consumers lose access to games they have purchased.