Stop Killing Games: the fight against the phasing out of physical discs and what it means for players

In brief

• The Stop Killing Games movement emerged after Ubisoft shut down The Crew in 2024.
• The movement has gathered more than a million signatures for its petition against the phasing out of physical discs.
• There are concerns about Sony’s control over the game market and the impact on consumer rights.

GAME-scanner analysis

The Stop Killing Games movement has quickly grown into a powerful voice within the gaming community, especially after the controversial shutdown of The Crew. That incident not only fueled frustration among players, but also raised broader questions about the future of digital distribution and consumer rights. The movement has a clear message: gamers want the ability to physically own and trade their games. The collection of more than a million signatures shows just how much support the cause has.

There are, however, challenges. A lobby group representing the interests of major game developers has reportedly pushed the EU to reject Stop Killing Games’ proposals. That raises questions about industry influence on policymaking and the protection of consumer rights. Sony’s reasons for moving toward digital distribution, such as avoiding resale and modding, are also part of the debate.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers, the shift to digital distribution means they may have less control over their purchases. The ability to resell or trade games could disappear, affecting the value of what they buy. That has not only financial implications, but also consequences for how players experience and use their games. The Stop Killing Games movement is trying to address these concerns and find a balance between developer interests and consumer rights.

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