A European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) aimed at preserving video games is gaining momentum, with organizers expressing optimism about its potential impact on the industry. The “Stop Destroying Videogames” campaign, which seeks to ensure games remain playable even after official support ends, has garnered significant attention and is now nearing a crucial stage in the EU’s legislative process. This initiative addresses a growing concern among gamers: the increasing trend of games becoming inaccessible due to server shutdowns, digital rights management (DRM) issues, and the revocation of licenses.
The core of the campaign centers around requiring publishers to maintain the functionality of games sold to consumers, even after discontinuing active support. This includes ensuring games remain playable and preventing the removal of purchased content or features. The movement challenges the current industry practice of treating game ownership as a revocable license rather than a permanent purchase. With approximately 1.3 million valid signatures, the ECI has met the threshold for formal consideration by the European Commission, a key step toward potential legislative changes.
European Commission Review Expected
The European Commission is now obligated to review the initiative and provide a formal response. According to the official European Citizens’ Initiative website, the Commission must communicate its response within six months of the verification of the signatures. This response could range from fully implementing the initiative’s requests to rejecting them, or proposing a compromise. The campaign’s organizers are hopeful that the Commission will recognize the validity of their concerns and accept action to protect consumer rights.
The initiative’s success is particularly notable given the complexities of the video game industry. Concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of preserving games with licensed content or proprietary technology. However, proponents argue that these challenges should not preclude efforts to ensure long-term accessibility. Ross Scott, the founder of Stop Killing Games, initiated the movement in 2024 following the shutdown of Ubisoft’s The Crew, a racing game that required a constant internet connection despite being primarily a single-player experience. The shutdown sparked widespread frustration among players and highlighted the vulnerability of digital game libraries.
Expanding Beyond the EU
The Stop Killing Games movement isn’t limited to Europe. The campaign is also establishing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in both the US and EU to further advocate for game preservation. According to Stop Killing Games, these NGOs will provide a more structured framework for lobbying and legal action. The organization believes a multi-pronged approach, combining grassroots activism with formal legal challenges, is essential to achieving lasting change.
A UK Parliament petition related to the issue also garnered enough support for an official debate, though ultimately no amendments to the law were made. This demonstrates the growing public awareness and concern surrounding the issue of game preservation. The movement has received support from various figures within the gaming community, including YouTubers, politicians, and game developers, who recognize the importance of safeguarding gaming history.
What’s Next for Game Preservation?
The coming months will be critical as the European Commission deliberates on the “Stop Destroying Videogames” initiative. The outcome of this review could set a precedent for consumer rights in the digital age and potentially reshape the way video games are distributed and preserved. The establishment of NGOs in the US and EU signals a long-term commitment to advocating for game preservation on a global scale. The movement’s success hinges on continued public support and the willingness of policymakers to address the challenges posed by the evolving video game industry.
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