Ubisoft isn't out to delete all inactive accounts.
The popular game developer recently clarified its stance on account deletion, stating it won't delete accounts that include purchased PC games.
Ubisoft previously announced it is deleting inactive user accounts that remain untouched for some time, which also means the loss of the purchases account holders made with the account.
Ubisoft's Clarification On Account Deletion
Ubisoft account holders were spooked last week. According to a tweet circulating in social media, an account holder received an email from Ubisoft stating it would permanently close their temporarily suspended account due to inactivity, per IGN.
The email stated that unless the email's recipient cancels the closure by logging into their Ubisoft account on their PC in 30 days, Ubisoft will have no choice but to delete their account. The company explained on its Ubisoft help page that it is deleting inactive accounts to help maintain its database.
Because of the announcement, Ubisoft account holders on PC, especially those who haven't logged into their accounts for various reasons, began to panic. They believe they will lose all the PC games purchased under their account forever if they don't log back into their accounts soon.
However, Ubisoft claims that account holders that have purchased PC games under their account won't have their accounts deleted. According to the company's statement to Eurogamer, its account deletion follows a "very strict process" and a four-point criteria list.
The company criteria state that an account can only be deleted based on:
- the gaming activity of the account since its creation
- the account's libraries
- the duration of inactivity of the account, or when the account holder last logged in to Ubisoft's ecosystem (including from Ubisoft games on Steam and other platforms)
- the existence of an active subscription tied to the account
Ubisoft added that it has never deleted accounts that have been inactive for less than four years, which somewhat contradicts what's stated in its terms and conditions, per Games Radar.
It also mentioned that accounts that include purchased PC games are not eligible for deletion. Other account holders will receive three emails over a 30-day period offering to restore their account if their account is up for deletion.
Should a user tries to log in during the 30-day window, they will automatically receive a warning and a link to reactivate their account.
Ubisoft Account Holder Backlash
Regardless of Ubisoft's clarification, the company is still the target of a massive user backlash over its inactive account policy. This backlash is also true with gamers' increasing concerns over game preservation and the decline of physical media.
Many players and even content creators on YouTube, like Mutahar Anas (SomeOrdinaryGamers), Yong Yea (YongYea), and Charles Christopher White Jr. (MoistCr1TiKaL), criticized Ubsoft's decision to delete inactive accounts. They added that the company's decision was unfair and should be made illegal - once a gamer buys a game, they should be able to access it whenever they want, regardless if it's a digital or physical purchase.
Related Article: Ubisoft Accounts Will Be Deleted After Months of Inactivity
