Stop Destroying Video Games Petition Gains Wide Support in 7 EU Countries

A European Union petition demanding publishers maintain the playability of online games after server shutdowns is gaining momentum. The "Stop Destroying Video Games" petition has already surpassed its signature threshold in seven EU countries: Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden.

Significant Progress, but More Signatures Needed

The petition has garnered 397,943 signatures—39% of its 1 million signature goal. This significant support highlights the growing concern among EU gamers regarding the loss of access to purchased games after publisher-initiated server closures.

The petition advocates for legislation requiring publishers to ensure the continued functionality of games sold within the EU, even after official support ends. This aims to prevent publishers from remotely disabling games without providing reasonable alternatives for continued gameplay. The petition directly addresses the issue of games becoming unplayable due to factors like server infrastructure limitations or licensing issues.

A prime example cited is Ubisoft's The Crew, whose servers were shut down in March 2024, rendering the game unplayable for millions despite its active player base. This incident fueled outrage and even legal action in California.

While substantial progress has been made, the petition requires further support to reach its goal. EU citizens of voting age have until July 31st, 2025, to sign. Non-EU citizens can contribute by promoting the petition among those eligible to sign.