Publishers Claim “Prohibitively Expensive” Production Costs for Online Games If Stop Killing Games Initiative Proposals Are Implemented

Understanding the Stop Killing Games Initiative

For those passionate about video game preservation, the Stop Killing Games initiative has emerged as a significant movement. This consumer-driven campaign aims to gather enough signatures to propose new legislation to the UK Parliament and the European Commission. The proposed law would prohibit game publishers and developers from creating games that can be deactivated and rendered unplayable without prior warning.

The Problem with Planned Obsolescence

The Stop Killing Games website highlights a troubling trend: many video games are sold with no clear expiration date yet are designed to become unplayable once publisher support ceases. This practice exemplifies planned obsolescence, harming consumers and complicating efforts to preserve gaming history.

The Movement’s Origins

Launched by YouTuber Ross Scott, the initiative was ignited by Ubisoft’s decision to shut down The Crew. This catalyzed a push to hold game developers accountable for the long-term viability of their titles. Notably, there is also an ongoing lawsuit regarding the shutdown of The Crew, but this is separate from the broader petition Scott initiated.

Growing Support and Industry Response

Initially, Scott celebrated early successes, especially when Ubisoft announced the availability of offline versions for The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorfest. While it remains ambiguous whether the Stop Killing Games initiative influenced this decision, the momentum continued to build. Remarkably, the petition amassed over 1 million signatures, signaling widespread support for the cause.

The site says we have cleared 1 million signatures! I hate being like this, but there’s a chance a significant number of them aren’t real. That means we have to keep signing in overdrive mode to make up for them! I’ll have a video on this later today.https://t.co/EpnNTDR85U

— Accursed Farms (@accursedfarms) July 3, 2025

Industry’s Reactions and Concerns

In light of the petition’s success, video game publishers collectively voiced their concerns. A statement from Video Games Europe expressed appreciation for community passion but emphasized that discontinuing online services involves many factors and must remain an option for companies. They argued that players would be notified in advance of any service discontinuation, asserting that alternatives like private servers present their own challenges.

Scott countered this statement, clarifying that the Stop Killing Games initiative does not seek to prevent publishers from discontinuing online services. Instead, he advocates for a responsible approach that preserves the rights already granted to consumers.

The Road Ahead

Despite a year of sustained campaigning, the future impact of Stop Killing Games remains uncertain. The petition deadline is fast approaching, and even if successful, further legislative hurdles await. Nonetheless, it’s evident that Scott’s efforts have elevated the issue within the industry, potentially catalyzing meaningful changes in how online games are developed and preserved.

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