The Stop Killing Games initiative, aimed at protecting online-only games from being shut down by publishers, has garnered nearly 1.3 million verified signatures in support. Founded in 2024, the initiative addresses concerns over games like The Crew being disabled without retaining any access for players. The movement argues against the remote disabling of games and focuses on sustainability rather than ownership or monetization rights. After validating signatures, the team will submit the petition to the European Commission in late February, paving the way for potential changes in how video game publishers manage their titles.
What does the Stop Killing Games initiative aim to achieve?The initiative seeks to prevent publishers from disabling online-only video games remotely, ensuring continued access and functionality for players even after official support ends.
The Crew, an online racing game developed by Ivory Tower and published by Ubisoft, faced shutdown alongside several other titles, raising concerns about game preservation. This initiative comes at a critical moment, where players are increasingly voicing their desires to keep access to games they have invested time and money in, underscoring a growing movement toward consumer rights in the gaming industry.
Samira Khan
Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.
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Comments
It's about time we push back against games being treated like disposable rentals instead of the experiences we invest in. Hopefully this sparks a real conversation about preserving our digital libraries for the long haul.
It's wild how we've reached a point where we need a petition just to keep the games we bought from vanishing into thin air. This feels like a major step toward treating games as lasting entertainment, not just temporary services.