UK government cites Concord in debate on consumer protection for gamers

Just over a year ago, Sony made a major move: close concord and refunded it two weeks after release because the game failed to find an audience. Now, in a debate in the UK's House of Lords, Concord's collapse is being used as an example of why gamers need more consumer protection.

It is reported european playersOne MP singled out Concord's rapid demise while supporting the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill 2024.

“I know noble members will agree that publishers must be held accountable if they fail to make the life cycle of a game clear at the time of sale. That is why I welcome enhanced consumer protection, including the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act 2024, which came into force earlier this year. This legislation rightly requires traders to provide clear, timely and accurate information to consumers, including about the lifespan and functionality of digital products.”

When Ubisoft announced “The Crew” has been offlinewhich leads to stop killing games movementalso Lawsuit from angry fans. Councilor Ben Goldsborough spoke about some of the aims of the Stop the Killing Game campaign while chairing a debate on the issue.

“Gamers can still feel a deep sense of personal ownership because they're investing more than just money,” Goldsborough said. “They have invested time, energy, imagination and friendship. When a game shuts down without notice, that investment is lost… This is about fairness, responsibility, creativity and protecting cultural heritage… something the UK should be proud of.”

The House of Commons has issued Research brief on this issueBut frustratingly, the brief concludes by stating that “there are no plans to amend existing consumer law regarding bans on video games”. Instead, it cited established consumer laws, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Digital Markets Competition and Consumer Act 2024, as existing protections for gamers.