The European Union has confirmed that the 'Stop Killing Games' EU Citizens' Initiative has surpassed its required signature count, collecting 1,294,188 verified signatures from across Europe. Initiated in response to publishers discontinuing network-reliant games, the petition advocates for end-of-life solutions that enable continued player access via methods such as fan servers.
Initiative Background and Goals
The 'Stop Killing Games' initiative was launched to counteract the increasing trend of game publishers shutting down live-service games, which in turn cuts off access for paying players. The petition argues for publishers to establish contingencies, allowing players to access games post-support termination. This movement marks one of the better-performing initiatives, with a minimized failed-signature rate of approximately 10%.
Signature Verification and Next Steps
EU volunteer Moritz Katzner reported the verified signatures by country, highlighting significant support from Germany (233,180), France (145,289), Poland (143,826), and Spain (121,616), among others. The initiative now awaits further actions from the European Union, potentially setting new precedents for maintaining gamer rights. Past successful initiatives have influenced EU policies on issues such as caged farming and water access.
Impact on EU Gaming Regulations
If legislated, this petition could enforce stricter guidelines on how gaming companies handle the end-of-life process for digital games. This development could provide a more secure and enduring gaming experience for European Union consumers, addressing previous consumer concerns over abrupt service discontinuations.
