EU "Cannot Propose a Legal Obligation" To Stop Destroying Videogames

June 18, 2026 - 05:36

The Stop Killing Games campaign, which evolved into the Stop Destroying Videogames European Citizens' Initiative, reached a critical point this week with a formal hearing before the European Commission. The initiative had gathered over 1.3 million signatures from citizens across the European Union, demanding legal action to prevent publishers from rendering purchased videogames unplayable by shutting down servers or revoking access.

During the hearing, European Commission representatives stated clearly that they cannot propose a legal obligation that would force companies to maintain online functionality for older games. Officials argued that existing consumer protection laws already cover some aspects of the issue, but creating a specific new law to mandate ongoing support for digital products would be legally and technically unfeasible under current EU frameworks.

The decision has disappointed many in the gaming community who have watched beloved titles become unplayable after publishers pulled the plug on servers. The campaign had hoped to establish a precedent that digital purchases should remain functional for a reasonable period, similar to how physical goods must last. Without a binding legal obligation, the responsibility now falls back on consumer awareness and potential voluntary industry standards.

The Commission did acknowledge the growing concern over game preservation and hinted that further discussions could happen at the member state level. For now, the millions who signed the petition are left without a clear path forward, as the EU stops short of forcing game companies to keep their products alive.