Halt Video Game Destruction: Petition Flourishes Across Europe
- By Brooklyn
- Jan 20,2025
A European Union petition demanding publishers maintain playable online games after server shutdowns is gaining significant traction. The initiative, "Stop Destroying Video Games," has already surpassed its signature threshold in seven EU nations, nearing its ambitious goal of one million signatures.
European Gamers Unite
39% of the Way to 1 Million Signatures
The petition has successfully garnered the necessary signatures in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden, exceeding targets in some cases. This impressive surge brings the total signature count to 397,943, representing 39% of the one million signatures needed.
Launched in June, the petition addresses the growing concern of unplayable games following publisher-initiated server closures. It advocates for legislation compelling publishers to ensure continued game functionality even after official support ends, preventing the remote disabling of games without providing reasonable alternatives for continued play.
As the petition states, "This initiative demands that publishers selling or licensing video games (or related assets) in the EU maintain these games in a playable state. It specifically aims to prevent publishers from remotely disabling games without offering viable means to maintain functionality independently."
The petition highlights the controversial shutdown of Ubisoft's The Crew in March 2024 as a prime example. Despite a substantial player base (over 12 million worldwide), Ubisoft terminated servers due to infrastructure and licensing issues, erasing player progress and sparking outrage. This incident even led to a lawsuit in California alleging violation of consumer protection laws.
While significant progress has been made, the petition still requires considerable support to reach its one million signature goal. Eligible EU citizens have until July 31st, 2025, to sign the petition online. Those outside the EU are encouraged to spread awareness and support the cause.
