lipflip – The Stop Killing Games campaign has reached a significant milestone. Collecting around 1.45 million verified signatures by the end of July. This grassroots effort pushes for stronger EU laws to ensure that purchased video games remain playable even after official support ends. The campaign aims to protect gamers from losing access to their digital purchases, a growing concern in the industry.
Initial checks reveal that about 97% of the collected signatures are valid. This high verification rate puts the campaign in a strong position as it moves to the next phase: formal validation by EU authorities. If successfully verified, the petition will be forwarded to the European Commission. Which will decide what legislative or regulatory actions to pursue.
The campaign began in 2024 in response to Ubisoft shutting down “The Crew.” Which cut off access to players who had purchased the game. This event highlighted how digital games can effectively disappear once companies end support. Leaving players without access to their purchased content. Stop Killing Games demands that game developers provide alternatives. Such as offline modes or private servers, to keep games accessible after official services end.
The petition’s goal is to secure players’ rights as owners, ensuring they can continue enjoying games they paid for. This is increasingly important as the costs of video game production and purchase rise annually. The campaign’s public support has already surpassed the 1 million signature threshold needed to trigger a formal review by the European Commission. A crucial step toward potential legislative change.
Campaign Next Steps and Ongoing Efforts to Influence EU Lawmakers
The official signature verification process is expected to take about three months. Meanwhile, the campaign team is actively preparing for engagement with lawmakers across Europe. They plan to raise awareness and lobby for stronger consumer protections in video gaming.
Alongside legislative outreach, the team is working to counteract misinformation and lobbying efforts from parts of the gaming industry that oppose these changes. Leadership within the campaign has shifted recently. Some longtime contributors, including founder Ross Scott, have stepped back, with new individuals taking on daily operations. This transition has already shown positive results in sustaining momentum.
The campaign encourages supporters to stay connected through their official Reddit, Discord, Mastodon, and Twitter channels. Public involvement will be key during the upcoming months as the European Commission reviews the petition and lawmakers consider new rules. These rules could require game companies to maintain game access for players after official support ends, safeguarding digital ownership rights.
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Looking ahead, the outcome of this campaign could significantly reshape how the gaming industry treats digital purchases in the EU. Moreover, successful legislation may set an important precedent, protecting millions of gamers from losing access to their games. As the verification process unfolds, the campaign continues to serve as a vital voice for gamers, consistently demanding fair and lasting access to their digital libraries.