The debate over video game ownership is intensifying, as a growing consumer movement argues that purchasing a game should grant lasting access, even if the developer ceases to support it. This challenge to the current industry model, where games can effectively be “switched off” remotely, centers on the idea that consumers should own the products they buy, not merely license them – a concept increasingly challenged in the digital age. The core of the dispute lies in the practice of publishers shutting down servers and rendering purchased games unplayable, leaving consumers with what activists describe as “useless files.”
The issue gained renewed prominence with Ubisoft’s recent decision to discontinue support for The Crew, an online racing game. Despite players having purchased the game, access was terminated, sparking outrage and fueling the “Stop Killing Games” movement. This isn’t simply about nostalgia. it’s about consumer rights and the fundamental expectation that a purchase should confer ownership, not a revocable privilege. The movement argues that the current system lacks transparency, as consumers are rarely informed about the potential lifespan of a game at the point of sale.
Stop Killing Games (SKG), founded in 2024 by Ross Scott following the The Crew shutdown, is at the forefront of this fight. The organization is pursuing legal avenues in Europe to defend consumers’ property rights, challenging the industry’s trend of treating games as revocable “licenses” or services. SKG has quickly gained traction, attracting attention from YouTubers, news outlets and even politicians.
The movement’s efforts have included launching government petitions, most notably a European Citizens’ Initiative named “Stop Destroying Videogames,” which garnered approximately 1.3 million valid signatures. A UK Parliament petition also amassed enough support for an official debate, even though no amendments to consumer law were made. According to reports, Labour MP Mark Sewards has stated that developers may be breaching consumer protection law by effectively “switching off” titles.
The concerns extend beyond individual game titles. Sewards warned that this practice could set a dangerous precedent, potentially extending to physical goods as digital technology becomes more integrated into everyday items. He emphasized that the ask isn’t for indefinite technical support, but rather for publishers to ensure that purchased games remain playable in some way, even after they’ve finished actively supporting them. “A publisher should not be able to deliberately disable every copy of a game that consumers have already purchased, leaving them with nothing,” Sewards said.
Ubisoft has responded to the growing pressure, stating that It’s working on improving its approach to finish-of-life support for its games. However, the company also acknowledged that “nothing is eternal,” suggesting that complete preservation is not a realistic expectation. As reported by PC Gamer, the question arose specifically in relation to The Crew.
In response to the petition’s success, Stop Killing Games is expanding its operations by establishing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in both the European Union and the United States. According to a report from abit.ee, this move signifies a shift towards a more permanent and structured approach to advocating for consumer rights in the gaming industry.
The legal battle surrounding The Crew also continues, with Ubisoft facing a lawsuit related to the server shutdown. GameSpot notes that this case adds another layer of complexity to the debate, highlighting the potential legal ramifications of publishers’ decisions to discontinue support for their games.
As the Stop Killing Games movement gains momentum, the question of whether video games should be treated as goods or licenses remains a critical one. The outcome of these legal challenges and the evolving responses from game publishers will likely shape the future of digital ownership and consumer rights in the gaming industry. The debate is far from over, and the industry will be watching closely as activists continue to push for greater protections for gamers.
What comes next will depend on the success of SKG’s legal challenges and the willingness of lawmakers to address the issue. The European Commission is currently reviewing the matter, and further developments are expected in the coming months. Share your thoughts on the future of video game ownership in the comments below.