Stop Killing Games Needs to STOP, Says European Video Game Trade Association

The “Stop Killing Games” initiative is making waves with a bold statement from Video Games Europe challenging the practice of game server shutdowns.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• Video Games Europe, a trade association, released a statement on July 5, 2025, opposing the “Stop Killing Games” initiative’s proposals to mandate offline modes or source code releases for games post-shutdown.

• The statement argues that such measures could harm innovation, increase costs, and infringe on intellectual property rights, sparking debate within the gaming community.

• X trends show a polarized response, with fans supporting the initiative and developers expressing concern over its implications.

• The statement has reignited discussions on digital ownership, with the initiative’s petition nearing its July 31, 2025, deadline.

• The gaming world watches as this clash unfolds—will it shape the future of digital games, or fizzle out?

The Statement Unveiled

Video Games Europe, a prominent trade association, dropped a statement on July 5, 2025, challenging the “Stop Killing Games” initiative. The initiative, led by Ross Scott, aims to preserve digital games post-shutdown by mandating offline modes or source code releases.

Here is the latest statement in full…

04/07/2025

We appreciate the passion of our community; however, the decision to discontinue online services is multi-faceted, never taken lightly and must be an option for companies when an online experience is no longer commercially viable. We understand that it can be disappointing for players but, when it does happen, the industry ensures that players are given fair notice of the prospective changes in compliance with local consumer protection laws.

Private servers are not always a viable alternative option for players as the protections we put in place to secure players’ data, remove illegal content, and combat unsafe community content would not exist and would leave rights holders liable. In addition, many titles are designed from the ground-up to be online-only; in effect, these proposals would curtail developer choice by making these video games prohibitively expensive to create.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss our position with policy makers and those who have led the European Citizens Initiative in the coming months.

Video Games Europe, however, has argued these proposals could harm innovation, increase costs, and infringe on intellectual property rights. The statement claims that “many titles are designed from the ground-up to be online-only; in effect, these proposals would curtail developer choice by making these video games prohibitively expensive to create.”

It’s like throwing a wrench into the works—will it stop the machine, or just make it louder?

Community Reaction

X trends exploded on July 5, with fans and developers taking sides. Supporters of the initiative, like GamePreservationNow, cheered, “Finally, a chance to save our games!”

Developers, however, echoed Video Games Europe’s concerns, with DevLife2025 posting, “This could kill small studios.” Reddit threads in r/Gaming and r/StopKillingGames reflect the divide, with one user arguing, “It’s about ownership, not innovation.”

The polarization is palpable, making this weekend a critical moment for the initiative. It’s a battle of ideals, and the stakes are high.

The Broader Context

The “Stop Killing Games” petition, which surpassed 1 million signatures, is set to conclude on July 31, 2025. If successful, it could prompt EU lawmakers to consider new regulations, challenging the fragile nature of digital ownership.

Video Games Europe’s statement comes at a pivotal time, with recent server shutdowns like EA’s Anthem reigniting the cause. The Verge notes the initiative’s momentum, but the trade association’s opposition adds a layer of complexity. It’s a clash that could define the future of gaming.

News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles on July 5, 2025. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture, and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.

Sources:

• Video Games Europe: Statement on “Stop Killing Games” initiative (July 5, 2025)

• X trends on the statement and initiative (July 5, 2025)

• Reddit threads in r/Gaming, r/StopKillingGames (July 5, 2025)

• The Verge: Coverage of the initiative’s momentum