Key Takeaways:
- Over 1.1 million EU citizens have signed the campaign, likely prompting action by the European Commission.
- The UK petition crossed 150,000 signatures, enough to be debated in Parliament.
- The campaign seeks legal mandates for end-of-life patches to preserve game accessibility.
A growing movement among gamers and digital rights advocates is reaching critical mass. The “Stop Killing Games” campaign, which calls for stronger protections around online-only games, has now surpassed 1.1 million signatures across the EU, aiming to influence future legislation on game preservation.
Online-Only Games at Risk of Vanishing
For years, players have been frustrated by the abrupt shutdown of servers—especially for Xbox titles—that render purchased games completely unplayable. Once publisher support ends, players lose access entirely, with no legal or technical alternatives. The campaign argues this undermines both consumer rights and video game preservation, particularly for titles tied entirely to online infrastructure.
Supporters aren’t asking publishers to keep games online forever. Instead, they propose a practical middle ground: require companies to implement end-of-life patches that allow games to run without needing ongoing support.
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EU Citizens’ Initiative Crosses Crucial Milestone
The campaign’s most significant progress comes from its European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), described as “the most powerful option at our disposal.” The ECI surpassed its required 1 million signature threshold, and as of this week, has exceeded 1.1 million signatures. Organizers believe this milestone presents a “very strong chance” for the European Commission to draft new laws securing access to discontinued games.
If successful, this could reshape how digital entertainment is preserved and grant consumers greater ownership over the products they buy.
UK Petition Also Gaining Momentum
In the United Kingdom, the campaign is also finding traction. A related petition has gathered 150,000 signatures, triggering Parliamentary consideration for a potential debate. While the UK government previously stated it had “no plans” to change the law as of February, growing public interest could reignite political discussion around consumer protection in gaming.
A Pivotal Moment for Gaming Rights
Despite skepticism about whether these proposals are “unrealistic” or burdensome to developers, the momentum is undeniable. The campaign website outlines detailed responses to such concerns and provides transparency into its goals and strategies.
