The UK government has said it won’t tighten the law to protect video game fans who feel ripped off when a product they’ve bought becomes unusable – such as when a live-service game sees its servers switched off.
In a lengthy statement, the government said it “had no plans to amend consumer law on digital obsolescence”, and that video game companies would simply continue to be bound by existing legislation.
The government’s comment comes in response to a petition, backed by the Stop Killing Games campaign, which argues that current laws do not do enough to dissuade video game companies from switching off games, partly or fully, “as a form of planned obsolescence” – leaving owners unable to continue using their purchase.
“We are aware of issues relating to the life-span of digital content, including video games, and we appreciate the concerns of players of some games that have been discontinued,” the UK government said.
“Video games sellers must comply with existing consumer law – this includes the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA) and Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPR). However, there is no requirement in UK law for software companies to support older versions of their products.