The UK House of Commons discussed the need to improve consumer protection for video games, as well as their preservation. In this discussion, Concord's sudden closure was used as an example of a game being suddenly shut down and demanding strict consumer protection in such an event.
One MP said in a statement: “A recent example is Concord, a game released for PlayStation 5 and Windows in August 2024. After a disappointing launch, Sony Interactive Entertainment made the commercial decision to shut it down. To their credit, they refunded all purchases, but this is not always the case.
“I know honorable members will agree that if publishers fail to clearly communicate the lifespan of a game at the point of sale, they must be held accountable. That's why I welcome stronger consumer protections, including the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which came into force earlier this year. This law rightly requires that merchants provide consumers with clear, timely, and accurate information, including the durability and functionality of digital products.”
Other notable games mentioned as examples of games that are unplayable include The Crew and Anthem, the latter of which will have its servers shut down later this year.
A debate took place today in the UK House of Commons, during which MPs discussed the issues raised by the consumer movement Stop Killing Games. MP Ben Goldsborough led the debate, arguing for further consumer rights in relation to live video games.
Goldsborough noted that the video games industry contributed £7.6 billion and 75,000 jobs to the UK. In his opening remarks, he noted: “Gamers still feel a deep sense of personal ownership because they invest more than money. They invest time, effort, imagination and friendship. When a game closes without warning, that investment is lost.”
He also called for funding partnerships and support for the sector to ensure we have a library full of important games. Goldsboro said: “This is about fairness, responsibility, creativity and protecting cultural heritage. […] of which the United Kingdom should be proud.”
Questions have been raised regarding this proposal, with one lawmaker noting that when games are acquired or shut down entirely, it is the responsibility to provide such support for preservation efforts or online support. This was countered by claims of the need for “natural justice” that if someone paid for a product they should be able to use it for as long as they wished.
The UK government has said it has no intention of changing consumer protection laws.despite overwhelming pro-consumer and Tory sentiment from MPs attending today's government debate.
