Disappointment hit hard for racing enthusiasts recently as Ubisoft made a significant announcement about the future of their groundbreaking game, The Crew. The multiplayer-centric open-world driving game, which initially hit the scene in 2014, is set to bid farewell, leaving many fans disheartened. So, is The Crew really shutting down in 2024? Let's delve into the details.
The Crew Shutting Down in 2024
According to Ubisoft's statement, they will be permanently closing the servers for The Crew on March 31, 2024. The implications are substantial - once the servers go offline, the game becomes entirely unplayable, even in single-player modes that traditionally don't require a constant internet connection. This news comes as a tough blow for those who continue to explore the vast in-game world.
- Ubisoft has already taken steps to remove the ability to purchase The Crew from platforms such as Steam, PlayStation Store, and the Microsoft Store.
- While some retailers might still have lingering stock, once that's gone, obtaining copies, whether digitally or physically, will become an impossibility.
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The Crew Owners Can Still Play
For current owners of The Crew on PC and consoles, there's a slight silver lining.
- They will still have access to the game for the next 12 months, granting a limited window for nostalgic drives through its virtual landscapes.
- However, post March 31, 2024, even those who have previously purchased the game won't be able to fire up their engines.
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The Good News
Despite the somber news, Ubisoft wants to assure fans that their commitment to The Crew franchise remains strong.
- This is evident in the recent launch of The Crew Motorfest in September, offering a glimmer of hope for enthusiasts.
- The sequel, The Crew 2, is also safe from a similar fate and is still available for new purchases.
Ubisoft acknowledges that discontinuing older games is at times an inevitable part of navigating evolving priorities in the gaming industry. As players bid farewell to The Crew, they can hope that Ubisoft will find a way to give the game the nostalgic send-off its groundbreaking concepts deserve before it's permanently retired next spring.
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Summary
- Server shutdown: March 31st, 2024
- Players can still play until shutdown time
- The Crew 2 and Motorfest continues
In summary, The Crew's days are indeed numbered, and fans have approximately 12 more months to enjoy cruising its virtual roads before Ubisoft closes the garage for good. As the countdown begins, there's anticipation for potential commemorations leading up to the final farewell.
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