August 1, 2024 - Eurogamer
A new European Citizens' Initiative, **"Stop Killing Games, "aims to make it illegal for game publishers to render games unplayable by shutting down servers or discontinuing support. This initiative seeks to gather 1 million signatures from EU citizens. If successful, the European Commission will be required to consider enacting this proposal into law.
Many modern games rely on online servers to function. When publishers decide to shut down these servers, the games become unplayable, effectively "killing" them. This practice not only frustrates players who have invested time and money into these games but also erases the hard work of developers.
The "Stop Killing Games" initiative argues that this practice robs customers and destroys games as an art form. The proposed law would require publishers to leave games in a "reasonable" working state at the time of shutdown, ensuring that players can continue to enjoy their purchased games.
- Consumer Protection: Ensures that players retain access to games they have paid for.
- Game Preservation: Protects the cultural and artistic value of video games.
- Industry Accountability: Holds publishers responsible for maintaining the playability of their products.
This initiative highlights the growing concern over digital ownership and the preservation of video games as a cultural medium. If you’re interested in supporting this cause, you can find more information and sign the petition through the campaign's official channels.