Stop Destroying Video Games Petition Gains Wide Support in 7 EU Countries

A European Union petition demanding publishers maintain playable online games after support ends has surpassed its signature threshold in seven countries, nearing its 1 million signature goal. Let's delve into the details.

European Gamers Unite Against "Abandonware"

Nearly 40% of the Goal Achieved

The "Stop Destroying Video Games" petition has successfully reached its signature target in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. The impressive total stands at 397,943 signatures—a significant 39% of the required 1 million.

Launched in June, this initiative addresses the growing concern of unplayable games following the termination of publisher support. The petition advocates for legislation compelling publishers to ensure online games remain functional even after official server closures.

The Petition's Core Argument

As stated in the petition, "This initiative demands that publishers selling or licensing videogames (or related assets) to EU consumers must maintain the game's functionality. Specifically, it aims to prevent publishers from remotely disabling games without providing reasonable alternatives for continued play."

A High-Profile Example: The Crew

The petition cites Ubisoft's The Crew as a prime example. Despite a substantial player base (over 12 million globally), Ubisoft shut down the game's servers in March 2024, rendering it unplayable for millions. This decision sparked outrage, leading to lawsuits in California alleging violation of consumer protection laws.

The Road to 1 Million Signatures

While significant progress has been made, the petition still requires substantial support to reach its goal. EU citizens of voting age have until July 31st, 2025, to sign. While non-EU citizens cannot sign, they can assist by promoting the petition among their networks.