Summary
- Stop Killing Games petition reaches 1 million signatures in the EU.
- Started by creator Ross Scott to fight game shutdowns.
- May push EU to propose laws protecting digital game access.
Stop Killing Games Hits 1 Million Signatures in the EU
The “Stop Killing Games” movement, launched by gaming creator Ross Scott, has reached a massive milestone. As of this week, over 1 million people across the European Union have signed the petition to protect online games from being shut down permanently by publishers.
This landmark moment means the petition now qualifies to be submitted to the European Commission under the European Citizens’ Initiative. If accepted, it could lead to legislation that ensures online games can be preserved—even after publishers stop supporting them.
The movement began in 2024 and has been gathering momentum ever since. The petition argues that games sold with no stated expiration date should remain accessible to those who purchase them. Many titles today rely entirely on online servers, and when those are taken down, the game becomes completely unplayable.
From Fan Support to Legal Change
Although the petition has now crossed the 1 million mark, the journey is far from over. Now, the European Commission must review the signatures for authenticity before considering legislative action. Past petitions have failed even after reaching the number, so public pressure and awareness remain essential.
In parallel, the UK version of the petition has also gained traction, crossing 130,000 signatures—well above the threshold needed to reach Parliament.
High-profile creators like PewDiePie have voiced their support, while others like PirateSoftware have criticized the approach. Despite the debates, the core goal remains clear: protect the games players pay for.
What Could Change
If successful, the movement could change how publishers handle game shutdowns. It doesn’t mean companies must keep servers online forever. Instead, developers would be encouraged—or legally required—to allow players to host their own servers or provide other means to keep the game running.
With digital storefronts like the 3DS eShop closing down and physical game prices skyrocketing, fans are asking for better protections. Stop Killing Games aims to ensure access to games doesn’t vanish with a company’s decision.
The deadline for EU citizens to sign is July 31, 2025. While the goal is reached, more valid signatures only strengthen the cause. Whether this will finally result in meaningful legislation is still unclear, but momentum is on the side of preservation.
