‘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

Stop Killing Games, an initiative focused on preventing video games from becoming inaccessible after their commercial shutdown, has successfully presented its case before the European Parliament. The 45-minute hearing featured founder Ross Scott and organizer Moritz Katzner making the case for new regulations to address the practice of terminating server-dependent games once they cease being profitable.

The presentation received overwhelming support from parliament members. According to reports, there was “no [parliament member] that wasn’t responding positively” to the initiative’s arguments. Committee vice chair Nils Ušakovs acknowledged the significance of the issue, noting the concerns it raises for “millions and probably hundreds of millions of European citizens.”

The core issue addressed by Stop Killing Games is game preservation: when online multiplayer games or games dependent on specific servers are shut down, they become permanently unplayable despite having been purchased by consumers. This has become increasingly common as the gaming industry relies more heavily on live-service and always-online models.

The hearing represents a major milestone for the two-year campaign, which began as what many viewed as a long-shot effort. The positive reception suggests genuine momentum toward potential regulatory changes in Europe, with lawmakers recognizing the significance of game preservation and consumer rights in an increasingly digital entertainment landscape. The initiative’s success in gaining parliamentary attention could set the stage for broader European Union regulation on game accessibility and digital rights.

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