The basic idea is that if your game is designed in such a way that it must be always online to substantially function…
… when that always online support ends, you must provide a final patch and release enough of the server architecture that, if people wanted to, indpendently, they at least could set up their own version of the serverside stuff.
Either that, or, you must refund all microtransactions made in that always online world that is now by definition, impossible to access.
If microtransactions are digital goods, then shutting down the servers without any ability to emulate/run them yourself is the equivalent of half of your closet’s contents disappearing from existence when the clothing brand goes out of business.
The basic idea is that if your game is designed in such a way that it must be always online to substantially function…
… when that always online support ends, you must provide a final patch and release enough of the server architecture that, if people wanted to, indpendently, they at least could set up their own version of the serverside stuff.
Either that, or, you must refund all microtransactions made in that always online world that is now by definition, impossible to access.
If microtransactions are digital goods, then shutting down the servers without any ability to emulate/run them yourself is the equivalent of half of your closet’s contents disappearing from existence when the clothing brand goes out of business.
Thanks for the breakdown on this!