The game is no longer yours, Ubisoft demands that you destroy your physical copy of the game if they decide to

If a player is not aware of these changes or simply does not agree with them, their only legal option would be to stop using the product and destroy it.

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In the video game sector, I’ve heard just about everything, but Ubisoft’s latest move surpasses any meme we’ve seen on forums or Twitter. The French company, which is plummeting in the stock market, is the most hated by users, with Electronic Arts being a close second due to its consumer-facing practices.

We’ve read some outrageous things about Ubisoft, but today’s news crosses any line you could imagine. In their latest EULA update, they’re requiring users to destroy their physical copy of the game if their account is banned or if the company decides to discontinue the game.

Upon resolution, for any reason, You shall immediately uninstall the Product and destroy all copies of the Product in Your possession.

The controversial EULA may not be legally binding in Europe

The EULA (End-User License Agreement) is a legal contract between the licensor (the game developer or publisher) and the licensee (the player who purchases the game). This agreement does not imply ownership of the software, but rather a license to use it under specific conditions. It’s essential to understand that by installing or even launching a game, you’re accepting this contract, which grants you the right to use the software, but always within the terms and restrictions set by the developer.

The EULA defines the rights and responsibilities of both parties, protecting the creator’s intellectual property and establishing the rules of use for the consumer. However, a EULA is not a blank canvas where the creator can write whatever they want; this contract must comply with the relevant regulations of each territory. So, Ubisoft can say you have to return the game mounted on a unicorn, but that doesn’t mean you have to comply. In the old continent, this clause has no validity whatsoever, and consumer rights prevail over part of the terms and conditions of use drafted by Ubisoft.

Users advocate for piracy

This controversial contract even allows Ubisoft to unilaterally modify their products without prior notice to the user, which has led to criticism from users who advocate for pirating the company’s games. Comments like the one from Andreas Yankopolus are becoming increasingly common:

If buying doesn’t mean ownership, then piracy isn’t theft.

For now, Ubisoft has not commented on the matter, and honestly, I don’t think they will anytime soon.