A new EU citizen initiative against the shutdown of video games is gaining traction, needing one million signatures to move forward. Initiator Ross Scott describes the effort as having “an excellent start.”
What began with the outcry over the shutdown of The Crew’s servers has now evolved into a significant movement: Stop Killing Games is officially calling on the European Union for action.
Launched by YouTuber Ross Scott, the alliance of private individuals is fighting against the shutdown of video games. The goal is to compel manufacturers to ensure games remain playable or release necessary tools when support ends, rather than simply taking them offline.
However, there is a significant hurdle to overcome for this procedure to be implemented: one million signatures must be collected within a year for EU lawmakers and the EU Commission to address the issue. Additionally, a minimum number of participants must be met in at least seven of the 27 member countries.
Current Status of the Initiative
Since the announcement of the action on July 31, 2024, Stop Killing Games has already gathered over 200,000 signatures, with the threshold surpassed in one country (Finland). This rapid accumulation of support demonstrates the widespread concern among gamers and the general public regarding the preservation of digital entertainment.
Background and Impact
The issue of game shutdowns has been a growing concern within the gaming community. When online servers are turned off, games that rely on these servers become unplayable, effectively rendering them obsolete. This not only affects the gamers who have invested time and money into these games but also impacts the broader cultural and historical value of video games as a medium.
Ross Scott, known for his YouTube channel “Accursed Farms,” where he discusses video game culture and industry issues, spearheaded this initiative following numerous complaints from gamers about losing access to their favorite games. His platform has provided significant visibility to the cause, rallying support from gamers across Europe.
The Legal and Legislative Challenge
The process of initiating a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) is rigorous. An ECI allows EU citizens to directly suggest new laws to the European Commission, but it requires substantial support. The one million signatures needed must also include minimum levels of support from at least seven different EU member states, ensuring that the issue has wide-ranging backing across the continent.
If successful, this initiative could lead to new legislation mandating that video game companies preserve the playability of games after their commercial life ends. This could involve releasing server code, providing necessary tools for offline play, or even transferring server management to third-party organizations dedicated to game preservation.
Broader Implications
The success of the Stop Killing Games initiative could set a precedent for how digital content is treated after its commercial lifecycle. Beyond video games, this could impact other forms of digital media and software, ensuring that they remain accessible for future generations.
Preservationists argue that video games are an important part of cultural heritage, similar to films, music, and literature. Ensuring their longevity is not just about consumer rights but also about preserving cultural artifacts that reflect societal trends, artistic expressions, and technological advancements.
Next Steps
To maintain momentum, the organizers of Stop Killing Games are calling on all supporters to continue spreading the word and gathering signatures. They are leveraging social media, gaming forums, and other online platforms to reach a broader audience. The campaign also seeks to engage with influencers and industry figures who can amplify the message.
Community Response
The response from the gaming community has been overwhelmingly positive. Many gamers have shared their frustrations about losing access to beloved games and are eager to support any measures that will protect their investments and preserve gaming history.
Various online communities, including Reddit and gaming subforums, have dedicated threads and discussions supporting the initiative. These discussions not only help gather signatures but also raise awareness about the broader issues of digital preservation and consumer rights in the digital age