European Gamers Launch Petition to Save Online Games from Server Shutdowns
A major push is underway to protect players' digital investments in online games. Following Ubisoft's controversial shutdown of The Crew, a European citizen's initiative, "Stop Killing Games," is demanding EU legislation to prevent game publishers from rendering games unplayable after ending support.
The "Stop Killing Games" Campaign: A Million Signatures Needed
The initiative aims to hold publishers accountable for server shutdowns, a practice that effectively destroys players' purchases and countless hours of gameplay. Ross Scott, a key organizer, is confident of success, highlighting the initiative's alignment with existing consumer protection policies. While the proposed law would initially apply only within the EU, Scott hopes its success in this large market will inspire global change, either through similar legislation or industry self-regulation.
The campaign faces a significant hurdle: gathering one million signatures across various European countries within one year to formally submit a legislative proposal. Eligibility is limited to EU citizens of voting age. The petition, launched in August 2024, has already secured over 183,000 signatures, leaving a considerable but achievable target remaining.
Protecting Player Investments: Accountability for Server Closures
The shutdown of The Crew, impacting 12 million players, highlighted the devastating consequences of server closures for online-only games. Numerous other titles, including SYNCED and NEXON's Warhaven, have already met similar fates in 2024.
Scott describes server shutdowns as "planned obsolescence," comparing the practice to the historical destruction of silent films. The petition doesn't demand publishers relinquish intellectual property, source code, or provide endless support, but rather that games remain playable at the time of shutdown. This applies even to free-to-play games with microtransactions, ensuring purchased items aren't rendered worthless. The success of Knockout City's transition to a free-to-play model with private server support exemplifies a possible solution.
The initiative explicitly won't require:
- Giving up intellectual property rights
- Releasing source code
- Providing endless support
- Hosting servers indefinitely
- Assuming liability for player actions
Support the Cause: Sign the Petition
To participate, visit the "Stop Killing Games" website and sign the petition (one signature per person). Country-specific instructions are available to ensure signature validity. Even non-European citizens can contribute by spreading awareness of this crucial initiative, aiming to create a ripple effect across the gaming industry and prevent future game closures.
