A grassroots campaign advocating for continued access to purchased games even after server shutdowns has achieved a notable milestone, qualifying it for review by the European Union. The “Stop Killing games” initiative has gathered over 1.3 million verified signatures from players concerned about the increasing practice of games becoming unplayable when developers cease online support. This surge in support underscores a growing debate surrounding digital ownership and consumer rights within the gaming industry,as fans push for alternatives to complete game abandonment. The EU will now be compelled to respond to the petition and consider potential legislative action.
A campaign known as “Stop Killing Games,” advocating for players to retain access to purchased games even after servers are shut down, has gathered over 1.3 million verified signatures, qualifying it for formal consideration by the European Union.
The initiative surpassed the one million signature threshold needed to trigger a response, demonstrating significant player support. Moritz Katzner, a volunteer with the campaign, shared on Reddit that the number of verified signatures will be held confidential for the time being. Further details, including a new video, redesigned website, and restructured Discord server, are expected soon.
Katzner also emphasized the importance of recognizing the individuals behind the “Stop Killing Games” movement, noting that they balance the effort with their personal responsibilities, jobs, and families.
The ultimate goal remains to allow players continued enjoyment of games they’ve purchased, regardless of ongoing developer support. While acknowledging that servers won’t necessarily remain online indefinitely, the campaign proposes a framework for fans to independently support games facing closure. This movement reflects a growing conversation about digital ownership and the rights of gamers in an increasingly digital landscape.
