UK Debates Game Laws After Concord’s Sudden Shutdown
▼ Summary
– The UK House of Commons debated the need for improved consumer protections and preservation for video games, citing examples like Concord’s shutdown.
– MPs argued that publishers must be held accountable for not clearly stating a game’s lifespan at purchase, with new 2024 legislation requiring this transparency.
– MP Ben Goldsborough emphasized the emotional and time investment gamers lose when games shut down unexpectedly, beyond just financial costs.
– The debate highlighted the cultural and economic importance of video games, contributing £7.6bn and 75,000 jobs to the UK economy.
– Despite strong pro-consumer and pro-preservation arguments, the UK government stated it has no plans to change current consumer laws.
The UK government is currently examining the need for stronger consumer safeguards and preservation measures for video games, following a parliamentary discussion prompted by high-profile game shutdowns. Lawmakers specifically pointed to the abrupt discontinuation of Concord as a prime illustration of why players require better protection when online-supported titles are suddenly rendered unplayable.
During the session, one Member of Parliament highlighted the recent case of Concord, a title launched on PlayStation 5 and PC in August 2024. After a commercially unsuccessful release, Sony Interactive Entertainment decided to terminate the game’s online services. While the company did issue refunds for all purchases, the MP stressed that such refund policies are not guaranteed in every situation. The official emphasized that publishers must be held responsible when they do not transparently communicate a game’s expected lifespan before purchase. They expressed support for the recently enacted Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which mandates that sellers supply clear and accurate details about the functionality and durability of digital goods.
Other games, including The Crew and the soon-to-be-discontinued Anthem, were also referenced as examples of titles that can become inaccessible when servers are taken offline.
The debate was initiated by MP Ben Goldsborough, who addressed concerns raised by the Stop Killing Games advocacy campaign. He highlighted the substantial economic contribution of the UK video game sector, which supports 75,000 jobs and generates £7.6 billion annually. Goldsborough remarked that players form deep emotional connections with games, investing not just money but also time, creativity, and social relationships. When a game is shut down without warning, he argued, that significant personal investment is erased.
He also advocated for funding collaborations and industry support to help preserve culturally important games for future generations. Goldsborough framed the issue as one of fairness, corporate accountability, and safeguarding a valuable part of the UK’s creative legacy.
Not all participants fully supported the proposed measures. One MP questioned whether developers and publishers should bear the ongoing burden of maintaining online services or supporting preservation efforts indefinitely, especially after a game is no longer commercially viable. In response, others contended that basic principles of natural justice apply, if a customer pays for a product, they should retain the ability to use it.
Despite the strong pro-consumer and preservation arguments presented during the debate, the UK government has indicated it does not plan to amend existing consumer protection laws at this time.
(Source: EuroGamer)
