Stop Killing Games
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'A real concern for millions and probably hundreds of millions of European citizens' - Stop Killing Games has its day in European Parliament and it seems to go very well
The initiative Stop Killing Games presented its case for regulation in the European Parliament to address the issue of video games becoming unplayable after sale due to discontinued services. The hearing, which garnered over 1 million European citizen signatures, highlighted concerns about consumer rights and the permanent disabling of sold games, with officials pledging to investigate copyright regulations and potential solutions. Founder Ross Scott emphasized that this practice, exemplified by games like The Crew, results in consumers losing access to products they have paid for without adequate recourse.
"I'd say mission achieved for this one": Stop Killing Games on the latest European Commission public hearing
Stop Killing Games founder Ross Scott and organizer Moritz Katzner attended a European Parliament hearing on the European Citizens Initiative Stop Destroying Videogames. Both participants expressed optimism about the positive reception from MEPs and the European Commission, viewing the hearing as a significant step in the legislative process for video game preservation.
Stop Killing Games Campaign Scores Big Win with California Bill
A new California bill, supported by the Stop Killing Games campaign, aims to protect online games from disappearing by requiring clearer end-of-life policies from companies. While some express concerns about technical challenges and development costs, the legislation seeks to ensure players' investments and digital history are better protected. This move could set a precedent for national standards in game preservation and influence future game design towards longevity.
Game History and Preservation
The organization Stop Killing Games is supporting a California bill aimed at forcing companies to maintain game functionality. This initiative seeks to address the growing issue of game preservation by ensuring that purchased titles remain playable.
Stop Killing Games throw weight behind California bill that would force companies to either keep games working independently after server shutdowns or issue refunds
The campaign group Stop Killing Games is supporting a new bill in California called the 'Protect our Games Act'. This legislation would require game companies to either ensure server-connected games can function independently after support ends or issue full refunds to consumers. The group is also actively involved in similar efforts in the UK and Europe.
Stop Killing Games praises French lawsuit against Ubisoft, preps to speak at EU parliament April 16
Consumer advocacy group Stop Killing Games, led by Ross Scott, is praising a lawsuit filed in France against Ubisoft over the sunsetting of The Crew. Scott is scheduled to speak at the EU parliament on April 16th regarding a citizens' initiative petition related to game preservation. The lawsuit's success in France could set a precedent for other European countries.
French consumer group sues Ubisoft over shutdown of The Crew
French consumer association UFC-Que Choisir has filed a lawsuit against Ubisoft over the shutdown of the online racing game The Crew. The association alleges that Ubisoft misled consumers about the permanence of their purchase and imposed abusive clauses, leading to player backlash and the formation of the 'Stop Killing Games' movement.
The Crew – Ubisoft Hit by a New Lawsuit in France Supported by Stop Killing Games
Ubisoft is facing a new lawsuit in France from consumer association UFC-Que Choisir, supported by Stop Killing Games, over its decision to revoke licenses for The Crew. The lawsuit alleges deceptive business practices and abusive terms regarding the game's revocable license. CEO Yves Guillemot defended the company's actions, stating that game support cannot last forever and that this is an industry-wide issue.
France's 'leading consumer association,' backed by Stop Killing Games, sues Ubisoft over The Crew…
French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir, supported by Stop Killing Games, has filed a lawsuit against Ubisoft over the shutdown of the racing game The Crew. The lawsuit alleges that Ubisoft violated consumer rights by closing the game and revoking licenses without adequate prior notification. The Crew, launched in 2014, became unplayable in April 2024 after its servers were shut down.
Major French consumer group sue Ubisoft over always-online game shutdowns with the backing of Stop Killing Games
A major French consumer group, UFC-Que Choisir, backed by the Stop Killing Games movement, is suing Ubisoft over the shutdown of The Crew's servers. The lawsuit argues that Ubisoft infringed consumer rights by making the game unplayable and questions the practice of selling licenses for games that can later be revoked. This action aims to set a precedent for publishers discontinuing online support for games.
Stop Killing Games organizers say EU commission meeting ‘went fine’ but admit to uphill battles
Organizers from the Stop Killing Games movement reported a 'fine' but challenging meeting with the European Union commission regarding game preservation. While some officials were supportive, others raised legal concerns about limiting companies' ability to remove purchased games. The campaign emphasizes that this is a consumer rights issue, not just about playing old games, and highlights the importance of preserving digital art.
Game History and Preservation
The "Stop Killing Games" initiative has gained traction, reaching the EU Parliament to advocate for game preservation. This movement combats apathy and the loss of digital art, highlighting the importance of saving video game history, including titles from the 1980s.
Stop Killing Games campaign offer update on latest EU meeting in livestream from parliament, while emphasising bipartisan MEP support
The Stop Killing Games campaign provided an update on their latest meeting with the European Commission, emphasizing bipartisan support from Members of the European Parliament. They hope their proposals to prevent publishers from shutting down servers of online games will be incorporated into upcoming legislation like the Digital Fairness Act.
Stop Killing Games campaign hope to "signal that we're not just going away" by setting up online game preservation NGOs
The Stop Killing Games campaign is establishing two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Europe and the US to advocate for game preservation and counter-lobbying efforts. These NGOs aim to signal long-term commitment to the issue and enable watchdog actions, such as players reporting game shutdown situations to consumer protection agencies. Organizers are also awaiting a meeting with European Union politicians regarding server shutdowns that render online-only games unplayable.
