The movement to preserve video game access, known as Stop Killing Games, is taking a significant step forward by establishing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in both the European Union and the United States. This evolution aims to provide sustained advocacy against practices where publishers remove purchased games from players’ libraries, a concern that gained momentum following controversies like Ubisoft’s delisting of The Crew.
Ross Scott, the creator of the Stop Killing Games campaign, detailed the plans in a recent YouTube video, explaining that these NGOs will facilitate “long-term counter lobbying” when publishers decide to end support for video games. Scott expressed optimism about the campaign’s prospects, stating, “Let me start off by saying I suppose we’re going to win this, namely the problem of publishers destroying video games that you’ve already paid for.” The NGOs will focus on codifying the original Stop Killing Games petition into EU law and establishing a reporting system for publishers who revoke access to purchased titles.
Origins of the Campaign and Growing Support
The Stop Killing Games campaign originated as a direct response to Ubisoft’s decision to remove The Crew from players’ libraries, sparking widespread concern about publishers’ control over digital ownership. The issue resonated with gamers, leading to the petition surpassing one million signatures last year, prompting the campaign’s leadership to explore further action.
Lobbying Efforts and Legal Research
The campaign is preparing to present its case directly to the European Commission, with Scott himself participating in the upcoming meeting on February 23rd. Alongside this lobbying effort, the team is compiling a comprehensive 500-page legal paper detailing controversial industry practices. This document aims to provide a robust foundation for advocating for changes in digital game ownership rights.
Ubisoft’s Response and Offline Mode Implementation
The campaign’s efforts have already yielded some positive results. Ubisoft responded to the concerns raised by the Stop Killing Games movement by updating The Crew 2 with an offline mode, allowing players to continue enjoying the game even without an internet connection. This change addresses a key concern regarding digital game access and demonstrates a potential path forward for addressing similar issues with other titles.
Looking Ahead: Codifying Rights and Reporting Mechanisms
The establishment of these NGOs represents a significant escalation in the Stop Killing Games campaign’s strategy. By formalizing the movement into established organizations, Scott and his team aim to create a sustainable infrastructure for advocating for consumer rights in the digital game space. The focus on codifying the petition into EU law signals a desire to establish legally binding protections for gamers, whereas the proposed reporting system would provide a mechanism for holding publishers accountable for removing access to purchased games.
The next steps for the campaign involve the upcoming meeting with the European Commission and the continued development of the comprehensive legal paper. The success of these efforts will likely shape the future of digital game ownership and the rights of consumers in the face of evolving industry practices. The campaign’s progress will be closely watched by gamers and industry stakeholders alike.
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