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.
The EU commission punts on Stop Killing Games but it seems they can't stop the movement even if they tried
The EU Commission officially passed on proposing any new laws concerning video game end-of-life protections as requested by the Stop Killing Games initiative. Even so, it seems they cannot really do anything to stop the movement due to its strong support in the EU Parliament, and it has itself outlined a few points that could cause trouble for publishers. As announced by the EU Commission, the SKG movement requested it propose new regulations th…
Stop Killing Games suffers setback following European Parliamentary hearing, but urges supporters to "not be discouraged by this answer whatsoever"
Disappointment ripples across the Stop Killing Games movement today after the European Commission delivered its verdict on the recent parliamentary hearings around online game preservation, and how the EU intends to help - or not - the movement going forward.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
