MMO Game Preservation Efforts Require One Million Signatures to Propose EU Law

European Gamers Launch Petition to Save Online Games from Server Shutdowns

A significant European gamer-led initiative, "Stop Killing Games," is pushing for EU legislation to protect digital game purchases. The petition aims to prevent publishers from rendering games unplayable after ending support, addressing the growing concern over server shutdowns and the loss of player investment.

The campaign, spearheaded by Ross Scott, seeks to hold publishers accountable for server closures that effectively erase players' in-game progress and purchases. Scott believes the initiative aligns with existing consumer protection policies and hopes its success in Europe will inspire global change, either through legislation or industry standards.

The "Stop Killing Games" petition needs one million signatures from EU citizens of voting age within a year to be considered by the EU. While a significant hurdle, the petition, launched in August 2024, has already garnered considerable support.

The campaign's urgency is underscored by recent high-profile game closures, such as Ubisoft's shutdown of The Crew, impacting millions of players. Scott describes this practice as "planned obsolescence," comparing it to the loss of silent films due to silver reclamation.

The proposed law wouldn't demand publishers relinquish intellectual property, source code, or provide endless support; it simply mandates that games remain playable at the time of shutdown. This includes free-to-play games with microtransactions, ensuring players aren't left empty-handed after purchasing in-game items. The initiative cites Knockout City's successful transition to a free-to-play standalone game with private server support as a viable model.

The petition is available online, with clear instructions to prevent invalid signatures. While only EU citizens can sign, Scott encourages global support by spreading awareness, aiming to create a ripple effect across the gaming industry to prevent future game closures.