Stop Killing Games: European Commission refuses legislation for game preservation

Briefly

• The Stop Killing Games movement began after Ubisoft's The Crew was shut down.
• The European Commission has decided not to propose legislation for game preservation.
• The movement is active in both the US and the EU and is trying to influence the Digital Fairness Act.

The Stop Killing Games movement has recently suffered a setback. The European Commission has confirmed that it will not propose legislation requiring publishers to keep games playable after they are no longer sold or supported. The decision comes as a shock to the thousands of gamers who have joined the movement, which was sparked by the shutdown of Ubisoft's The Crew in 2024. It has also fueled growing concern about the future of digital games and consumer rights.

Analysis by GAME-scanner

The European Commission's decision not to impose legal obligations on publishers to keep games playable could have far-reaching consequences for the games industry. It shows that consumer interests are not always placed at the center of government decision-making. The Stop Killing Games movement, which has built up a significant following, is trying to pressure policymakers into protecting gamers' rights. The movement has also received support from other figures in the industry, such as Gearbox Software and Randy Pitchford, who have spoken out in favor of stronger consumer protections.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers, this means the future of their digital purchases remains uncertain. Without legal protection, publishers can shut down servers and make games inaccessible, leading to frustration and the loss of access to previously purchased content. The movement is urging gamers to unite and pressure policymakers to bring about change.

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