EU admits it can't save discontinued video games
- The European Commission has decided against requiring video game companies to maintain online titles after purchase. Instead, the regulator will "explore ways to improve industry standards" for games that may become unavailable to their audiences.
- Ubisoft's 2024 decision to shut down servers for the online driving game The Crew, deleting it from players' libraries, triggered The Stop Killing Games movement.
- This grassroots effort collected enough signatures last year to bring online game preservation before the Commission. The shutdown sparked debates about players' "rights to access games they" have purchased or licensed.
- Stateside, California has implemented a law regarding industry standards for communicating game support endings. Gaming platforms like Steam have adopted language clarifying that players purchase a license rather than ownership.
- Although the Commission says copyright laws prevent legislation, it will "work with consumer organisations and authorities to raise awareness about the applicable rights that protect consumers." A report on this effort is due before the end of 2026.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Citizens appealed for the protection of gamesThe problem of blocking video games was raised by the civic initiative “Stop the destruction of video games”. The campaign gathered nearly 1.3 million signatures, including more than 143,000 in Poland. MEPs also expressed support for the players' demands.Despite this, the only institution in the European Union with the right of legislative initiative remains the European Commission.EC: There are no gr…
EU won’t force publishers to keep games playable, but the Stop Killing Games fight isn’t over
top Killing Games has hit a major roadblock in Europe after the Commission rejected its proposal. Campaign founder Ross Scott says future legislation could still provide a path forward.
Signed by more than 1.3 million Europeans, a petition forced the European executive to vote on the issue of the closure of online games. While Brussels claims to be powerless to legislate and calls for consultation, the organizers of the movement do not hide their disappointment.
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- 38% of the sources lean Left, 37% of the sources are Center
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