During a recent livestream, Twitch streamer and indie game developer PirateSoftware drew an unexpected parallel between the growing “Stop Killing Games” movement and the viral Kony 2012 campaign from a decade ago. The developer, whose real name is Jason Thor Hall, suggested both movements shared characteristics of “slacktivism”—temporary, low-effort online activism that creates intense social pressure to participate.
“It reminds me of Kony 2012,” PirateSoftware said during his stream. “People who didn’t buy the stickers or visibly participate were ostracized.” He implied that both movements created a divisive environment where those who don’t publicly show support face criticism from others.
The “Stop Killing Games” (SKG) movement has gained significant traction in recent months, with its petition surpassing one million signatures. The campaign advocates for consumer rights regarding digital game ownership, specifically opposing publishers’ practices of shutting down online services for games players have purchased, rendering them unplayable.
Kony 2012, the comparison point raised by PirateSoftware, was a massive social media campaign launched by the organization Invisible Children. The movement aimed to raise awareness about Joseph Kony, leader of Uganda’s Lord’s Resistance Army, known for abducting children and forcing them to become soldiers. The campaign spread rapidly through a 30-minute documentary that garnered millions of views, with supporters purchasing action kits, bracelets, and stickers.
While Kony 2012 initially saw enormous support, it later faced criticism for oversimplification, questionable use of funds, and ultimately failing to achieve its primary goal of Kony’s capture. It has since become a textbook example of viral internet activism that generates more noise than results.
PirateSoftware, known for developing the indie game Heartbound and for his outspoken commentary on gaming industry issues, has a history of making controversial statements during his streams. He previously worked in Quality Assurance at Blizzard Entertainment before becoming an independent developer.
During the same stream, PirateSoftware also claimed he had recently been the target of swatting incidents—a dangerous form of harassment that no content creator should be subject to, regardless of their views and opinions.
