A European Union petition aiming to prevent publishers from rendering video games unplayable after support ends has gained significant traction. The "Stop Destroying Video Games" initiative is nearing its goal of one million signatures.
EU Gamers Rally Behind the Cause
39% of the Million-Signature Goal Achieved
The petition has surpassed its signature threshold in seven EU countries: Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. Currently, 397,943 signatures have been collected—39% of the required one million.
This initiative, launched in June, addresses the growing concern of games becoming unplayable after publisher support ceases. The petition advocates for legislation mandating that publishers maintain the functionality of online games even after official server shutdowns. The petition explicitly states its aim to prevent publishers from remotely disabling games without providing reasonable alternatives to ensure continued playability.
The petition highlights the controversial shutdown of Ubisoft's The Crew in March 2024 as a prime example. Despite a substantial player base (estimated at 12 million worldwide), server closures rendered the game unplayable, sparking outrage and even lawsuits in California alleging consumer protection violations.
While the petition is still short of its one million signature goal, EU citizens of voting age have until July 31st, 2025, to add their support. Non-EU citizens can contribute by spreading awareness of the campaign.
