The “Stop Killing Games” European Citizens’ Initiative has officially crossed the crucial one million signature threshold, triggering a legal obligation for the European Union to consider game preservation legislation. This grassroots campaign aims to prevent publishers from rendering purchased digital games unplayable after end-of-life support by introducing regulations that would mandate preservation options and consumer access provisions.
The initiative, spearheaded by Ross Scott of Accursed Farms and the “Game Dungeon” series, addresses a growing concern in the digital age: games that become completely unplayable when servers shut down or support ends. Under the proposed regulations, publishers could be required to release necessary files, enable community-run servers, or provide other solutions ensuring players maintain access to games they’ve purchased.
Only European Union citizens are eligible to participate in the petition, with signatories required to provide verifiable personal information that varies by country. Non-EU residents, including Americans and post-Brexit UK citizens, can’t contribute to this particular initiative, though UK supporters have their own separate domestic petition addressing similar concerns.
Reaching one million signatures doesn’t guarantee new legislation, but it does ensure the European Commission and Parliament must formally discuss the initiative in hearings. Organizers and stakeholders will present their case to parliamentary committees, who may then decide to pursue legislation, amend proposals, or take no action.
The petition comes amid increasing controversy surrounding major publishers discontinuing older titles. Examples include EA shutting down servers for numerous games and Sony’s initially planned (but later reversed) closure of PlayStation 3, Vita, and PSP digital storefronts. As games increasingly rely on online connectivity and digital distribution, preservation has become a critical issue for both consumers and historians.
Petition organizers caution that the milestone may not be secure yet. The verification process typically invalidates 20-30% of signatures due to duplications or eligibility issues, so supporters are urging eligible Europeans to continue signing to provide a buffer against potential disqualifications.
Save your games before they vanish
If successful, this initiative could represent a landmark moment for digital consumer rights, potentially influencing industry practices well beyond Europe. The proposed regulations would follow in the footsteps of other EU consumer protection measures like “right to repair” legislation, extending similar principles to digital goods.
The next phase will require industry experts and consumer advocates to represent these interests before EU lawmakers, explaining the technical aspects and proposing practical solutions that balance preservation needs with business considerations.
