Ubisoft may be planning to close dormant accounts. Learn more about Ubisoft's inactivity policy, how to maintain your account, and what customers think of this policy.
Ubisoft's Account Closure Policy
Your Game Library May Be Lost Along with the Account
Ubisoft has recently raised eyebrows by emailing users about potential account suspension and permanent deletion due to inactivity. This news was an unexpected shock for gamers who may have a Ubisoft account but may rarely used it.
The issue of Ubisoft suspending and deleting inactive accounts first surfaced when the Twitter account AntiDRM, which focuses on cracked games, DRM, and DENUVO, received an email from Ubisoft warning about potential account closure.
Initially, this email was met with suspicion, resembling a phishing attempt. However, Ubisoft's support account responded, confirming the authenticity of the warning.
Account Closure For Data Protection
Like several companies, Ubisoft must follow data privacy regulations, including the General Data Privacy Regulation (GDPR). Suppose businesses no longer believe the data is necessary for gathering; in that case, they may be compelled to terminate dormant accounts under such restrictions. Ubisoft claims that accounts that have been idle for less than four years are typically left alone, but beyond four years may warrant review. They may also instantly close such accounts in certain situations to adhere to local data protection laws.
The Process of Closing Inactive Accounts
A procedure has been laid forth by Ubisoft for terminating inactive accounts. If a user's account is marked inactive, they will receive an email notification. Let's suppose that user wants to keep using the same account. If so, they can revoke the closure by following a link in the email from Ubisoft. Players can keep their account and its library of games by doing this.
For young players with Ubisoft accounts, they or their parent/legal guardian can initiate account closure. Reactivation of closed accounts is possible within 30 days of closure. It's essential to note that if the account was closed by a parent or guardian, the young player may not reactivate the account independently.
Ubisoft's Account Practices: A Cause for Concern
The recent account closure policy adopted by Ubisoft has sparked criticism from gamers. Many players express displeasure with using Ubisoft Connect or Ubisoft accounts, considering them burdensome. Instead, they prefer more popular and reliable platforms like Steam. Steam's extensive user base and game library make it a preferred choice for many gamers. Moreover, other digital distribution platforms offer value-additions, such as free games or exclusive titles unavailable on Steam.
Ubisoft's account closure policy doesn't just impact users of Ubisoft Connect, it also affects gamers who purchase Ubisoft games on Steam. This creates a concerning situation as users may lose access to their purchased games, even if bought on a different platform. Digital game ownership should provide a sense of actual ownership, allowing players to access their games without fear of losing them due to inactivity.
Sources:
AntiDRM tweets about Ubisoft's Closure Email
Ubisoft Responds To AntiDRM's Tweet
Official Ubisoft Support Article about Inactive Accounts
