The European Citizens’ Initiative known as “Stop Destroying Videogames” has officially tallied 1,294,188 verified signatures, exceeding the one million required to trigger a formal review by the EU Commission on preventing publishers from making games unplayable after support ends.
Here’s the TL;DR…
-
The initiative demands that video game publishers ensure games remain functional for owners even after official support ceases, targeting practices like server shutdowns that brick titles.
-
Organizers collected 1,448,270 raw signatures by July 31, 2025, with 1,294,188 verified after an 11% invalidation rate.
-
Top contributing countries include Germany with 233,180 signatures, France at 145,289, and Poland with 143,826.
-
Next, a handover in Brussels is set for mid to late February 2026, followed by Commission evaluation that could lead to new consumer protection laws.
-
The campaign stems from real-world shutdowns, like BioWare’s Anthem going offline on January 12, 2026.
What Sparked the Stop Killing Games Movement?
Ross Scott, creator of the YouTube channel Accursed Farms, launched the “Stop Killing Games” effort in 2024 after Ubisoft shut down servers for The Crew, rendering the racing game inaccessible despite players having purchased it. Scott argued that consumers deserve ongoing access to products they own, not just temporary licenses that vanish.
The initiative quickly gained traction among gamers frustrated with live-service titles dying prematurely.
How Does the Initiative Aim to Protect Video Game Ownership?
It proposes EU regulations requiring publishers to provide offline modes or server emulation tools when ending support, ensuring single-player and multiplayer elements stay playable.
This would apply to all games sold or licensed in the EU, including add-ons and assets. Backers emphasize it’s about true ownership—not forcing endless server upkeep.
Who Organized the Petition and How Were Signatures Collected?
Moritz Katzner served as the official representative, coordinating with volunteers across Europe. Signatures came via the EU’s official portal, with citizens from all member states contributing.
The campaign exploded early, hitting 350,000 in the first month, thanks to social media buzz and gaming community endorsements.
The drive wrapped on July 31, 2025, with raw totals at 1,448,271 before verification. An 11% invalid rate—lower than expected—left 1,294,188 valid, as announced by Katzner on X and Reddit.
Which Countries Led in Signature Contributions?
Germany topped the list with 233,180 verified signatures, reflecting strong gamer activism there.
France followed at 145,289, while Poland added 143,826.
Other nations like Spain and Italy also chipped in significantly, showing widespread EU support.
What Happens Now That the Signature Threshold Is Met?
The petition heads to Brussels for handover in mid to late February 2026. The EU Commission must then examine the proposal and respond, potentially drafting legislation if it aligns with consumer rights goals.
Success isn’t guaranteed, but it forces a debate on game preservation.
Organizers plan to lobby MEPs during the review, building on the momentum. Similar efforts, like a UK petition, continue outside the EU.
How Has the Gaming Industry Responded to the Initiative?
Publishers like Ubisoft and EA—often criticized for shutdowns—haven’t issued direct statements on the petition.
Streamer Thor “PirateSoftware” Hall, who opposed the campaign, faced backlash after the signature reveal.
Overall, the industry is watching closely, as rules could reshape live-service models.
What Games Have Been Affected by Server Shutdowns Recently?
BioWare’s Anthem shut down on January 12, 2026, leaving owners with a useless product.
Earlier examples include The Crew in 2024 and Babylon’s Fall. These cases highlight why gamers demand accountability.
Could This Lead to Broader Changes in Digital Ownership?
If adopted, the rules might influence global standards, pressuring companies to design games with longevity in mind.
It ties into larger debates on digital rights, from ebooks to software. Supporters see it as a win for preservation, ensuring classics don’t vanish.
What Challenges Did the Campaign Face During Signature Collection?
Early worries about fake signatures surfaced, but the 11% invalid rate proved manageable.
Verification by national authorities took months, delaying the final count. Despite this, the initiative’s viral spread—fueled by Reddit and X—kept momentum high.
Critics argued it misunderstands business realities, but backers countered with consumer rights principles.
How Can Non-EU Gamers Support Similar Efforts?
In the UK, a related petition pushes for parliamentary debate. Globally, awareness campaigns on platforms like Steam urge players to contact lawmakers.
Joining communities like r/StopKillingGames amplifies the voice.
This milestone shows gamers can unite for change, but the real test comes in Brussels. If the Commission acts, it could redefine how publishers handle end-of-life games, prioritizing player ownership over short-term profits.
For now, the initiative stands as a testament to community power in an industry often dominated by corporate decisions.
Hat Tips
-
Stop Destroying Videogames — European Citizens’ Initiative, European Commission, June 19, 2024
-
Stop Killing Games official site, stopkillinggames.com
-
Final count for Stop Killing Games petition verifies 1.3 million of its 1.4 million signatures, PC Gamer
-
Stop Killing Games Has Received Almost 1.3 Million Verified Signatures, TheGamer, 2026
-
The final count of Stop Killing Games’ verified signatures is in, Destructoid, 2026
-
Stop Killing Games subreddit, Reddit
-
Citizens’ petition “Stop Destroying Games” reaches 1.4mln signatures, Euronews, August 13, 2025
-
Dexerto article on signature reveal, January 25, 2026: https://www.dexerto.com/gaming/stop-killing-games-reveals-final-number-of-verified-signatures-for-eu-initiative-3309276/
-
Stop Killing Games Wikipedia entry
Article Compiled and Edited by Derek Gibbs on January 25, 2026 for Clownfish TV D/REZZED
ClownfishTV.com strives to be an apolitical, balanced and based pop culture news outlet. However, our contributors are entitled to their individual opinions. Author opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of our video hosts, other site contributors, site editors, affiliates, sponsors or advertisers. This website contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. We disclaim products or services we have received for review purposes, as well as sponsored posts.
