UPDATE: PirateSoftware needs to get his head checked, by the way. This isn’t even a harassment campaign or jumping on the bandwagon. The guy literally lacks reading and comprehension skills, blatantly confusing what the initiative would NOT do with what it COULD do.
In a world where physical media is vanishing and everything we buy is tied to online accounts, digital ownership is under threat—especially in gaming. The Stop Killing Games petition, currently active on the European Commission’s official portal, is one of the most important grassroots movements fighting for gamers’ rights in Europe and beyond.
Even though I’m not an EU citizen myself, I’m doing what I can. I asked my nephew—he’s turning 21 soon and lives in Europe—to sign it. My friend Sami also has cousins in France, most likely born there. Hopefully he encourages them too, because this isn’t just a “gamer” issue—it’s about basic consumer rights in the digital age.
What Is the Stop Killing Games Petition?
The petition calls on the EU to make it illegal for companies to remove access to games you’ve already bought. That includes shutting down servers for single-player games or removing titles from digital libraries without any warning or compensation.
This is a growing problem. Just look at:
- Ubisoft delisting classic titles like Assassin’s Creed Liberation from Steam.
- EA shutting down online services even for games with meaningful single-player components.
- Ubisoft’s The Crew—a game completely rendered unplayable after its servers were shut down, despite being a paid title.
- DRM services making games unplayable once authentication servers go offline.
If you’re in the EU, you have the power to demand change. The petition aims to force EU lawmakers to treat digital products like physical goods—you bought it, you keep it.
Why EU Citizens Are the Key
The European Union has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the world. If the EU listens to this petition and enforces laws around digital permanence, it could set a global precedent that benefits everyone.
Even companies that operate globally would have to change how they treat customers—because they can’t afford to ignore EU regulations. That’s exactly how GDPR reshaped the internet. The same thing can happen for game preservation, but it starts with you.
You’re Not Just a Gamer—You’re a Consumer with Rights
Gaming isn’t a niche hobby anymore. It’s a billion-euro industry. And like any industry, it needs to be held accountable. When companies think they can “sell” you a game and then pull the plug years later, that’s not a sale—it’s a rental. And often, it’s a rental without your knowledge.
This petition is about fighting back. It’s about saying:
“If I paid for it, I should be able to play it—forever.”
What You Can Do (If You’re in the EU)
- Sign the petition here: https://www.stopkillinggames.com – It links directly to the EU Commission’s official site.
- Verify your identity – Yes, it asks for ID because it’s an official EU mechanism. That’s what makes it powerful—this isn’t just a random Change.org link.
- Share it with others – Friends, siblings, cousins, Discord servers, Reddit threads—especially those who are EU citizens.
And If You’re Not in the EU…
Do what I did: encourage others. Talk to your friends, family, and online communities. If you know someone in Europe—like your gamer cousin, your old WoW guildmate, or a friend on Steam—send them the link.
You don’t have to be European to care about this. You just have to care about fairness, ownership, and the future of digital media.
Final Thoughts
Preserving access to games is about more than nostalgia. It’s about ensuring that when you spend your hard-earned money on something, you get to keep it. Forever. EU citizens are in a unique position to demand better.
Let’s make sure companies stop treating digital purchases like disposable licenses.
If you’re an EU citizen, sign the petition. If you’re not, help spread the word.