Video Games Europe Opposes Stop Killing Games Campaign

Stop Killing Games Initiative Challenges Publishers Over Online Services and Game Preservation

The Stop Killing Games initiative, which has garnered over 1.2 million signatures, aims to prevent game publishers from removing online services or disabling games. This practice has drawn criticism for hindering game preservation and harming consumers. Ross Scott, the campaign’s creator, contends that shutting down online services constitutes a form of programmed obsolescence that negatively impacts players and raises legal questions across various countries. The initiative highlights that players essentially purchase a product that can be rendered inaccessible once online support ceases. Many studios under the umbrella of Video Games Europe (VGE), such as Activision, EA, Microsoft, Square Enix, Ubisoft, and Warner Bros., have indeed shut down servers for games like Anthem, making them permanently unavailable even if players paid full price. In most cases, players do not receive refunds for the game itself or any in-game purchases. To address this, the Stop Killing Games campaign advocates for greater sustainability, suggesting that developers design games that do not require an internet connection or offer versions players can retain even after a game’s official lifespan ends.

Video Games Europe Responds to ‘Stop Killing Games’ Initiative, Defending Publishers’ Rights Over Online Services and Game Lifespans

Video Games Europe, a European gaming lobby representing some of the world’s largest publishers, has responded to the initiative with a five-page statement. While acknowledging the importance of the gaming community, VGE asserts that decisions to close online services are complex and made only when continuing them becomes commercially unviable. The association states that such decisions are communicated in advance, in compliance with consumer protection laws. VGE emphasizes that taking a game offline is a significant decision not made lightly. Publishers, it maintains, should retain the right to determine a game’s lifespan, citing the substantial costs and time involved in game development. Changing this approach could increase development costs and risks. Consequently, Video Games Europe disagrees with the campaign’s proposed solutions, stating that such implementations would be too costly for developers and publishers when online multiplayer support ends.

Furthermore, VGE points out that many games are produced exclusively for online play, making the indefinite maintenance of these services financially unsustainable for publishers. The association also raises concerns about private or fan-created servers, which are often suggested as alternatives. VGE states these are not viable solutions in most cases due to a lack of security guarantees, data protection, and control over illegal content, along with associated legal risks concerning cybersecurity and content moderation. The Stop Killing Games campaign has gained significant public traction, even though initial doubts existed about its ability to capture the attention of European lawmakers. However, it faces counter-arguments from other voices within the gaming community. For instance, Ross Scott’s efforts have reignited an existing debate with Pirate Software, which has openly criticized the Stop Killing Games movement, aligning with publishers and developers who wish to avoid additional financial burdens. Video Games Europe has expressed openness to engaging in dialogue with lawmakers and European Citizens’ Initiative representatives in the coming months. Their aim is to find a balance between players’ concerns and the economic realities of the sector.