EU Law Proposal: Petition for MMO Game Preservation Nears 1M Signatures

European Gamers Launch Petition to Save Online Games from Server Shutdowns

A European citizen's initiative, "Stop Killing Games," is demanding EU legislation to protect players' digital investments in online games. The petition, sparked by Ubisoft's closure of The Crew, aims to prevent publishers from rendering games unplayable after ending support. This follows the recent closures of titles like SYNCED and NEXON's Warhaven, highlighting the growing concern over lost investments in online-only games.

The petition, spearheaded by Ross Scott, needs one million signatures within a year to be considered by the EU. While seemingly ambitious, Scott is confident, citing alignment with existing consumer protection policies. Success in the EU could set a global precedent, influencing either legal frameworks or industry practices.

The initiative focuses on holding publishers accountable for server shutdowns, comparing the practice to "planned obsolescence." Scott draws a parallel to the lost silent films of the past, emphasizing the irretrievable loss of player investment when servers are deactivated. The proposed law wouldn't demand ongoing support or server hosting, but rather that games remain playable at the time of shutdown. This includes free-to-play games with microtransactions; purchases made should remain accessible even after server closure. The petition highlights Knockout City's successful transition to a free-to-play, privately-hosted model as a potential solution.

The petition explicitly states it will not require:

• Cession of intellectual property rights
• Release of source code
• Endless support
• Publisher-hosted servers
• Publisher liability for player actions

The petition, launched in August 2024, has already garnered significant support, exceeding 183,000 signatures. While a considerable gap remains, the one-year timeframe offers a realistic chance of success. The website provides clear instructions for signing, ensuring validity. Even non-European citizens are encouraged to spread awareness of the campaign, aiming for a wider industry impact.

To sign the petition and learn more, visit the "Stop Killing Games" website. Remember, each person can only sign once.