The Crew 2 Shifts into Neutral: Offline Mode Now Live, Addressing Game Preservation Concerns
In a major update, Ubisoft has added an offline mode to The Crew 2, allowing players to enjoy the game without an internet connection. Dubbed Hybrid Mode, this new feature separates online and offline saves, giving players peace of mind that their progress will be preserved even when servers shut down.
According to Engadget, the update includes a bare-bones option for offline play, with separate saves for online and offline modes. If a player acquires a vehicle while playing offline, it won't be available in an online session, but they can re-export their online save to the offline one, overwriting all offline-only progress.
The addition of offline mode is seen as a welcome move by Ubisoft, addressing concerns about game preservation and ownership sparked by the controversy surrounding The Crew's server shutdown. "This is a major step forward for game preservation," said a gaming industry expert, who wished to remain anonymous. "Players should have control over their games, even after servers shut down."
The update also highlights the importance of game preservation in the digital age. As more and more games transition to online-only models, concerns about ownership and access to games are growing. According to Ubisoft's decision to delete The Crew from players' libraries after its servers shut down, some critics argued that players should have a right to continue playing their games even without an internet connection.
The Crew 2's Hybrid Mode is now live, allowing players to enjoy the game in both online and offline modes. While the offline mode may not be as comprehensive as the online version, it provides a much-needed option for players who want to preserve their progress and access their games even after servers shut down.
In related news, Ubisoft has announced that The Crew 2 will continue to receive updates and support, with new features and content planned for the future. Players can expect more information on upcoming updates in the coming weeks.
The addition of offline mode is a significant development for The Crew 2, addressing concerns about game preservation and ownership. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether other developers will follow Ubisoft's lead and prioritize player control over their games.
Sources:
Engadget: "The Crew 2 is now playable offline"
Engadget: "The Crew 2 Shifts into Neutral: Offline Mode Now Live"
This story was compiled from reports by Engadget and Engadget.