Brussels, Belgium — A petition advocating for the preservation of video games has garnered significant attention, surpassing one million signatures this month. Yet, advocates warn that the initiative faces critical hurdles before it can influence European Union legislation. The “Stop Killing Games” campaign, spearheaded by Ross Scott, aims to enact laws that would secure ongoing access to video games even after developers cease support.
The movement gained momentum following Ubisoft’s decision to delist its game The Crew from online platforms, deactivate its servers in 2024, and nullify players’ licenses. This action raised concerns among gamers about losing access to their purchased titles at the discretion of developers. Scott and other supporters argue that such actions could set a troubling precedent, jeopardizing consumer rights within the gaming community.
While the petition’s milestone of over 1.2 million signatures appears to bolster its case, Scott expressed caution regarding the validity of some signatures. He noted that potential issues, such as improperly filled-out entries or fraudulent submissions, could undermine the initiative’s credibility. Emphasizing the importance of legitimacy, Scott indicated that an additional 10 percent of verifiable signatures might be necessary to address any discrepancies.
In light of the petition’s growing support, a coalition of major gaming companies, including Electronic Arts, Microsoft, and Nintendo, has publicly opposed the movement. They argue that private servers, often proposed as alternatives, do not adequately protect players’ data and could expose companies to legal liabilities. Their statement asserted that many titles are specifically designed for online play, and forcing developers to adapt could significantly increase production costs.
The Video Games Europe group elaborated further, contending that the proposed measures might deter innovation in game design. They warn that increased costs and risks could discourage developers from making titles available in Europe, ultimately affecting the diversity of games in the market.
As the petition progresses, key decision-makers in the EU will need to weigh the concerns of both gamers and industry stakeholders. Advocates of the “Stop Killing Games” movement see this as an essential step toward ensuring players maintain access to their purchased games, while opponents caution against potential regulatory overreach that could stifle creativity in the gaming sector.
The outcome of this initiative could have significant implications, not just for gamers, but also for the broader landscape of video game development in Europe. With discussions likely to intensify in the coming months, both sides of the debate must prepare for a critical examination of the future of gaming access and rights in the digital era.