Gamers Unite: Call to Halt Video Game Ruin Spreads Across Europe

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

EU Gamers Rally Behind the Cause

Significant Progress Towards One Million Signatures

The "Stop Destroying Video Games" petition has achieved its target signature count in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden, exceeding expectations in some cases. This impressive showing represents 397,943 signatures – 39% of the one million signatures needed for the petition to be considered.

Launched in June, this initiative addresses the growing concern of unplayable games after publisher support ceases. The petition advocates for legislation compelling publishers to ensure online games remain functional even after official closure, preventing the remote disabling of games without providing reasonable alternatives for continued gameplay.

As the petition states, "This initiative calls for publishers selling or licensing videogames (or related assets) in the EU to maintain said videogames in a playable state. It aims to prevent publishers from remotely disabling videogames without offering viable means to maintain functionality independently."

A prime example cited is Ubisoft's The Crew, a 2014 racing game with over 12 million players globally. Despite its active community, Ubisoft shut down servers in March 2024, rendering player progress inaccessible. This sparked outrage, leading to lawsuits in California alleging violation of consumer protection laws.

While significant progress has been made, the petition still requires substantial support to reach its goal. Eligible EU citizens can visit the petition website to sign before the July 31st, 2025 deadline. Non-EU citizens can contribute by spreading awareness.