Gamers Push Back Against Digital Erasure
The gaming community is making its voice heard. The “Stop Killing Games” petition, launched in April 2024 by YouTuber Ross Scott, has gathered over 820,000 signatures across the European Union. With just weeks left before the July 31, 2025 deadline, the petition is quickly approaching the 1 million mark required to advance as an official European Citizens’ Initiative.
At its core, the campaign challenges the legality of removing access to purchased games once publishers cease support. For many, this practice feels like a betrayal of consumer trust and a direct assault on digital ownership.
Planned Obsolescence in Gaming Sparks Outrage
The petition criticizes what it calls “planned obsolescence” in the gaming industry. Titles are often sold as permanent digital goods, yet become unplayable once online support is removed or servers are shut down.
The statement on the Stop Killing Games website calls this practice not only damaging to consumers but also a threat to the cultural preservation of video games. Without the ability to access and maintain older games, an entire generation of digital entertainment risks being lost.
Why the Petition Matters
According to the organizers, reaching the 1 million signature threshold could pressure the EU into drafting legislation that protects players’ rights to keep and access the games they paid for. If successful, the legislation would also support wider efforts around game preservation, especially as publishers increasingly remove titles without offering offline alternatives.
The site also notes that although this specific initiative targets the EU, success in one major market could create ripple effects worldwide. The underlying message is clear: gamers everywhere benefit when ownership rights are enforced.
The Ubisoft Controversy and Growing Frustration
Fueling the momentum behind the petition is the recent Ubisoft controversy surrounding The Crew. After shutting down the game’s servers, many players lost access entirely, despite having purchased the title. Ubisoft responded by saying they never guaranteed unlimited access, a claim that sparked legal backlash.
Meanwhile, CD Projekt’s GOG platform has taken the opposite stance with its new Preservation Program. The initiative allocates resources to ensure that classic titles like Diablo and Resident Evil remain playable on modern systems—a move praised by gaming historians and consumers alike.
Conclusion: A Digital Ownership Reckoning
As the digital age accelerates, the question of what it means to “own” a video game has become increasingly urgent. With hundreds of thousands of gamers uniting to protect their rights, publishers are being held accountable like never before.
Whether this initiative leads to sweeping legal change remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: players are done being silent. The **”Stop Killing Games” movement is more than a petition—it’s a demand for fair treatment in a rapidly evolving industry.
