So… the problem is they should just make better games? Really?
Also: While I have a LOT of fucking issues with ubisoft and insist they have the resources to keep those content servers up (if not the multiplayer servers) for games like Splinter Cell that used DRM models that involved streaming game logic, they also aren’t killing the latest and greatest games. The Crew 1 is shutting down in April (apparently, hadn’t heard). That is a 2014 game that very much underwhelmed and has had a sequel for 6 years now.
While it is possible that the Uplay client is where EVERYONE is… anyway. SteamDB says The Crew has 21 concurrent players right now steamdb.info/app/241560/ and peaked at 76 in the past six months. I don’t think all that many people are going to be impacted by shutting down the servers.
There are very much arguments for games like Madden that have a two to three year life span (if memory serves). And that IS “planned obsolescence” but also… is kind of support for the game. Because just look at the old expansion pack model of FPS where a new expansion/DLC would splinter the playerbase drastically and run the risk of killing Battlefield or even frigging Starcraft. Keeping everyone on the same two or three versions works wonders at keeping the game alive (and is why they should just be live games with a new DLC every year but that is a different discussion).
We see similar with the various open world areas in Guild Wars 2 where the vast majority are ghost towns if they aren’t part of the latest DLC or event. And that is why Destiny 2 decided to disney vault their story.
But that is not the same as not dedicating significant developer resources to something that has 20 concurrent players. Moreso if the team/company is shuttering.