7 EU Nations Back Ban on Violent Games

A European Union petition, "Stop Destroying Video Games," is gaining momentum, nearing its 1 million signature goal. The initiative, launched in June, aims to prevent publishers from remotely disabling online games after support ends, ensuring continued playability.

Significant Progress Across the EU

The petition has already surpassed its signature threshold in seven EU countries: Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. With 397,943 signatures collected (39% of the target), the campaign demonstrates significant gamer support across the region.

Addressing the Issue of Abandonware

The petition directly addresses the growing concern of games becoming unplayable due to publisher-initiated server shutdowns. It advocates for legislation requiring publishers to maintain the functional state of games sold within the EU, even after official support ceases. The petition explicitly states its intention to prevent publishers from remotely disabling games without providing reasonable alternatives for continued gameplay.

High-Profile Example: The Crew

The petition highlights the shutdown of Ubisoft's The Crew as a prime example of the problem. Despite a large player base, the game's servers were shut down in March 2024, rendering player progress inaccessible. This action sparked outrage and even legal action in California, highlighting the consumer rights implications.

While the petition is still short of its goal, EU citizens have until July 31st, 2025, to sign. Those outside the EU can contribute by spreading awareness. The campaign's progress underscores the growing demand for consumer protection in the video game industry.