Imagine buying a game you love—only to have it vanish forever because the publisher decided to pull the plug. That’s not just frustrating—it’s becoming alarmingly common. But a growing movement in Europe is fighting back.
A Bold Step Toward Game Preservation
On June 19, 2024, a European Citizens’ Initiative was officially registered with a clear goal: to make it illegal for game publishers to remotely disable games after they’ve been sold. Now under review by the European Commission, this proposal could transform how games are preserved and protected.
If approved, the regulation would require publishers to ensure games remain playable, even after servers go offline. A final decision is expected by July 31, 2025—and time is running out to act.
Over a Million Voices for Change
As of today, the initiative has gathered 1,078,713 signatures—8% above the required threshold. However, to account for any invalid or duplicate entries, campaign organizers are aiming for at least 1.4 million signatures.
At the core of this movement is a simple demand:
“If I paid for a game, I should still be able to play it—even after support ends.”
Whether it’s a full game or in-game purchases, gamers are tired of their digital investments being wiped out at the publisher’s whim.
Support the Citizens’ Initiative Here
(Only EU citizens are eligible to sign.)
When Games Die, So Do Player Investments
From blockbuster AAA titles to indie darlings, modern games increasingly depend on always-online DRM or server-based infrastructure. That means once servers shut down, these games—many of which were bought and paid for—become useless.
This issue is even more severe with free-to-play games, which generate revenue through microtransactions. Players often spend hundreds of dollars, only to lose everything if the game is discontinued.
There is currently no legal obligation for publishers to provide any form of continued access once a game is shut down.
Game Preservation Is Possible—And Already Happening
The proposal doesn’t demand that publishers support games forever. It simply requires that they leave them in a playable state after official support ends.
Solutions include:
- Offline modes
- Peer-to-peer hosting
- Public server software or tools
Several games have already taken this responsible path:
- Gran Turismo Sport and Knockout City added offline play modes before shutting down.
- Mega Man X DiVE and Scrolls (Caller’s Bane) released tools or code to help players continue enjoying the game.
- Minecraft Classic was officially preserved online by Mojang, showcasing early game history.
- Halo: Master Chief Collection included LAN and offline support for classic titles after online servers were retired.
- Fan communities revived titles like City of Heroes and Star Wars: Galaxies through emulated or private servers.
- Diablo II (Classic) remains fully playable offline despite newer versions being released.
These examples prove that game continuity is not just possible—it’s practical, especially when considered during development.
This Is About More Than Games—It’s About Digital Heritage
Losing a game isn’t just about consumer rights. It’s about losing part of digital history.
When a game disappears, so does:
- Its unique mechanics
- Soundtrack and art
- Cultural impact
- Community creations and memories
Unlike physical media like DVDs or vinyl, games often can’t be archived. Licensing laws often prevent players from preserving or modifying software—even for non-commercial use.
That means when a publisher decides to erase a game, they can block any efforts to save it, creating a permanent cultural loss.
What Happens If the Law Passes?
If approved, the new regulation would apply across all EU member states, covering commercial games and paid content sold to EU citizens. Publishers would be legally obligated to keep games functional, even after ending online support.
While some companies may view this as a burden, supporters argue it enforces a basic consumer right:
“If you buy a game, the publisher shouldn’t be able to delete it.”
With the July 31, 2025 deadline fast approaching, both industry insiders and gamers are watching closely. Pressure is growing for publishers to rethink how they shut down games—and how they treat their customers.
FAQs: Stop Killing Games Campaign
What is the “Stop Killing Games” initiative?
A European citizens’ movement aiming to make it illegal for publishers to disable games post-sale, ensuring lasting access.
Why is this important?
Games often require internet connections. Once servers go down, players lose access—along with the money and time they’ve invested.
Who started this campaign?
It’s a grassroots European initiative by gamers and advocates frustrated with games being deleted after purchase.
Will this force publishers to support games forever?
No. It only requires that games remain playable after official support ends—via offline play, peer hosting, or public servers.
Who would be affected by this law?
Any publisher selling games or DLC to EU citizens would be required to comply.
What happens if it passes?
Publishers will no longer be allowed to pull games from buyers without providing a way to keep them functional.
Final Thoughts: If You Paid for It, You Should Keep It
This campaign isn’t just about gaming—it’s about ownership, ethics, and preserving digital culture.
As digital products become the norm, we must ask:
Do we really own what we buy? Or are we just renting access until someone flips a switch?
This initiative says: enough is enough.
