The Stop Killing Games movement has officially crossed a historic threshold: nearly 1.3 million verified signatures—enough to force formal consideration by EU lawmakers. This marks one of the most successful gaming‑related political initiatives ever recorded, and it signals a turning point in the global fight for digital preservation.
🌍 A Movement Born From Frustration
For years, players have watched beloved online‑only titles vanish overnight as publishers shut down servers, revoke access, or simply abandon games that no longer fit their business models. Titles like Anthem, The Crew, LawBreakers, and dozens of smaller online games became unplayable despite players having paid full price.
This frustration crystallized into a grassroots movement: Stop Killing Games, a consumer‑driven initiative demanding legal protections for digital game preservation. Their core argument is simple: if you buy a game, you should be able to play it—even if the publisher moves on.
📝 The Petition That Shocked the Industry
In 2025, the group launched a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) titled Stop Destroying Videogames, aiming to push the EU to legislate against server shutdowns that render purchased games unplayable. To be formally considered by the European Commission, the petition needed 1 million verified signatures across EU member states.
By the end of July 2025, the petition had gathered over 1.4 million signatures—an astonishing number for a gaming‑related political effort. But the real test was verification.
🔍 Verification Complete: 1,294,188 Valid Signatures
As of January 2026, the EU has officially verified 1,294,188 signatures, clearing the threshold by a wide margin.
This confirmation means the initiative must now be reviewed by EU politicians, triggering the next phase of the ECI process.
Key verification details:
- Total signatures submitted: ~1.45 million
- Verified as legitimate: 1,294,188
- Minimum required: 1,000,000
- Top contributing countries:
- Germany: 233,180 signatures
- France: 145,239 signatures
The organizers shared the news earlier than planned, explaining that rapid developments and upcoming meetings with the EU Commission made it necessary to update supporters sooner.
🧠 Why This Matters
This is more than a petition—it’s a referendum on digital ownership.
The movement argues that:
- Games should not become unplayable simply because a company shuts down servers.
- Publishers should be required to provide offline modes, server software, or alternative access.
- Consumers deserve legal protection for products they purchased.
The EU’s willingness to consider the issue could set a global precedent. If legislation emerges, it may force publishers to rethink how they sunset online titles.
🕰️ The Backstory: How We Got Here
The seeds of Stop Killing Games were planted years earlier, as more titles shifted to online‑only models. High‑profile shutdowns—especially Anthem and The Crew—sparked widespread outrage. Players who had invested money, time, and emotional energy suddenly found their games gone forever.
The movement gained traction through:
- Viral social media campaigns
- Reddit organizing
- Support from preservationists and consumer rights advocates
- Coverage from major gaming outlets
By mid‑2025, the initiative had become one of the largest consumer‑driven efforts in gaming history.
🚀 What Happens Next
With verification complete, the ECI process moves into its next stages:
- Formal submission to the European Commission
- A public hearing in the European Parliament
- A written response from the Commission
- Potential legislative proposals
Organizers have confirmed they will meet with EU lawmakers soon to present their case.
🎮 The Industry Is Watching
Publishers, preservationists, and players are all paying close attention. If the EU enacts new rules, it could:
- Force companies to maintain game access after shutdowns
- Require offline modes or community server tools
- Establish consumer rights for digital purchases
- Influence similar laws in the U.S., UK, and beyond
🧩 A Turning Point for Digital Ownership
The success of the Stop Killing Games petition signals a shift in how players view digital rights. No longer passive consumers, they are organizing, mobilizing, and demanding accountability.
Whether or not the EU ultimately passes legislation, the message is clear:
Players are done losing the games they love.
