Video Game Petition Gains Traction in Europe

A European Union petition demanding publishers maintain the playability of online games after server shutdowns has gained significant traction. With signatures exceeding the required threshold in seven nations, the initiative is nearing its one-million signature goal.

EU Gamers Rally Behind the Cause

Nearly 40% of the Goal Achieved

The "Stop Destroying Video Games" petition has surpassed its signature target in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. Currently boasting 397,943 signatures, the petition has achieved 39% of its one-million signature goal.

Launched in June, this petition addresses the growing concern of games becoming unplayable after official support ends. It advocates for legislation compelling publishers to ensure continued functionality of online games, even after planned closures.

The petition explicitly calls for publishers to prevent the remote disabling of games sold within the EU, demanding reasonable alternatives to maintain playability without publisher intervention. This is particularly relevant given instances where players lose access to purchased games due to server shutdowns.

The petition highlights the case of Ubisoft's The Crew, a 2014 racing game with a substantial player base. Despite its popularity, Ubisoft shut down servers in March 2024, rendering the game unplayable for millions. This action sparked outrage and even legal action from some players.

While the petition is making progress, significant work remains to reach the one-million signature mark. EU citizens are encouraged to visit the petition website and lend their support before the July 31st, 2025 deadline. Non-EU citizens can contribute by spreading awareness of this important initiative.