The Emergence of ‘Stop Killing Games’: A Movement Takes Shape
Over the last two years, the gaming community has witnessed a remarkable rallying cry: Stop Killing Games. Sparked by YouTuber Ross Scott’s passionate outcry over Ubisoft’s decision to end support for The Crew, this movement gained momentum, culminating in significant achievements that resonate deeply with gamers worldwide.
A Historic Milestone
In 2024, the petition demanding the end of premature game shutdowns secured over 1.3 million signatures. This overwhelming support has not only amplified the message but also positioned the campaign for consideration by the European Union. The effort caught the attention of industry leaders, most notably Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, who acknowledged the backlash but stated, “Nothing is eternal.” While such comments can sound dismissive, they have spurred a conversation around the sustainability of online gaming and its social responsibilities. Responding to public outcry, Ubisoft has vowed to enhance its approach towards game end-of-life support, assuring fans they would “never do something like that again.”
Transitioning to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Evolving from a grassroots campaign to officially recognized entities, Scott has announced the formation of two NGOs, one in the EU and another in the US. But what does this mean for the movement? NGOs—non-governmental organizations—aim to achieve specific goals, often with a focus on advocacy and reform, and represent an exciting step forward for this initiative.
Scott explains that while the impact of a video game-focused NGO might initially seem uncertain, it opens doors for long-term lobbying efforts. The intention is to advocate for changes in legislation such as the Digital Fairness Act and to potentially include the Citizens Initiative in the upcoming Digital Content Directive revisions. These legal frameworks could provide essential guidelines and protections for gamers, especially regarding how companies manage their products after launch.
Building Institutional Strength
Scott emphasizes the need for a persistent presence in political discussions: “We’re not just going away on this issue.” By establishing a dedicated NGO, they aim to create a consistent lobbying voice that could dramatically influence future legislation. As Scott puts it, having a representative lobbying continuously at the EU Commission can change the narrative around game sustainability and responsible gaming practices.
Beyond Advocacy: The Watchdog Role
Another essential function of the NGOs will be acting as a watchdog to report on upcoming game shutdowns, ensuring that gamers are informed about potential disruptions. Scott recalled past initiatives where they organized multilingual resources to help gamers report issues to consumer protection agencies. This proactive approach aims to create a framework that supports players whenever a game faces termination threats.
Leadership Transition and Future Plans
While Scott remains an integral part of the movement, the day-to-day leadership will be under the stewardship of Moritz Katzner, a German political operative who has been instrumental since 2025. Katzner brings a wealth of experience, and Scott acknowledges his tireless efforts as vital to pushing forward legislative agendas in a way he could not have managed alone. As Scott describes it, “I kind of look at it like a relay race where I’m handing off a baton.”
International Vision and Challenges Ahead
Although Scott harbors skepticism about whether these NGOs can significantly transform the gaming industry’s practices, he remains hopeful. He recognizes that discussions around regulatory frameworks for gaming have traditionally faced resistance, especially when prospective policies threaten lucrative monetization strategies. However, he believes that improving end-of-life practices is a far more straightforward issue for companies to address than they often portray.
A Broader Movement on the Horizon
The vision for the future encompasses not just localized efforts. Both NGOs are reportedly exploring avenues to establish a global movement that would carry the Stop Killing Games message worldwide. This ambition hints at a recognition that the problem of game destruction is not confined to any single region or market, making international solidarity essential.
In Conclusion
As Stop Killing Games expands its reach and solidifies its organizational structure, it marks a significant moment in gaming history. With passionate advocates at the helm and a growing support network, there’s a palpable sense of momentum—one that has the potential to reshape how the gaming industry views player rights, product lifecycles, and community engagement.
