Stop Killing Games Movement Hits Key Milestone, Pushing for New EU Rules on Game Shutdowns

Le Stop Killing Games movement has reached a critical milestone after collecting enough verified signatures to force a formal review by the European Commission. The campaign argues that players should not lose access to games they legally purchased when publishers shut down online services. Organisers confirmed that more than 1.3 million signatures have already passed validation. This total exceeds the one-million requirement set by the European Union.

Selon le PC Gamer, the initiative cleared the threshold before the final verification process finished. This guarantees that EU officials must now examine the proposal. The result marks one of the most successful player-driven consumer campaigns the industry has seen in years.

Why the Stop Killing Games Campaign Began

Content creator Ross Scott launched the movement after several online-only games became unplayable following server shutdowns. Ubisoft’s L'équipage remains the most cited example. The publisher removed the game from sale and disabled access for all players, including those who already owned it. Supporters argue that this practice effectively revokes ownership after purchase.

The official page on the European Citizens’ Initiative website explains the campaign’s goals clearly. Organisers do not seek ownership of intellectual property. They also do not demand permanent online support. Instead, they call for practical end-of-life solutions, such as offline modes or community-hosted servers, that keep games playable.

Political Attention Grows Across Europe

The campaign has gained attention from European lawmakers. Several Members of the European Parliament have publicly acknowledged the initiative. Some have voiced support for stronger consumer protections tied to digital purchases. Coverage from GamesRadar reports that the European Commission is expected to review the proposal in the coming months.

Similar discussions have appeared outside the EU. In the United Kingdom, a related petition reached the threshold required for parliamentary debate. These parallel efforts show that concerns about game preservation extend beyond European borders. Players increasingly question what ownership means in a fully digital market.

Industry Pushback and Publisher Concerns

Parts of the video game industry oppose the initiative. Trade groups such as Video Games Europe argue that mandatory end-of-life support could raise costs and complicate development. Many modern games rely on centralised backend systems. Publishers warn that transferring those systems to offline or community-run solutions could create security and legal risks.

Supporters of Stop Killing Games reject those arguments. They claim that publishers already plan monetisation and shutdown timelines years in advance. In their view, consumer rights deserve equal consideration. Analysis from Eurogamer notes that the initiative focuses on future standards rather than forcing changes on existing games.

What the European Commission Will Do Next

The European Commission must now formally review the initiative and publish an official response. This process includes meetings with organisers and consultations with industry representatives. It may also involve legal analysis and economic impact assessments. The review phase can take several months.

The Commission is not required to propose new legislation. However, it must publicly justify its decision. If lawmakers move forward, the outcome could influence how publishers design, sell, and retire games across the EU. Regardless of the result, the Stop Killing Games campaign has already changed the conversation around digital ownership and game preservation.