A fan-led initiative on the gaming platform Stop Killing Games has garnered 1.4 million signatures, with the target being met, these signatures could be sent to the European Commission.
In a significant turn of events, the "Stop Killing Games" European Citizens' Initiative has successfully surpassed its signature threshold, collecting over 1.4 million valid signatures as of late July 2025[1][2][5]. This milestone, well above the 1 million needed to prompt official consideration by the European Commission, marks a significant victory for the movement that aims to ensure game developers implement end-of-life plans for their games[3].
The initiative, started by YouTuber Ross Scott, has gained significant momentum in the past month, even garnering support from one of the EU parliament's vice presidents[1]. However, the movement faced challenges, with the UK's prior responses and being half a million signatures off the minimum required by the European Commission[4]. But, the movement has now built a buffer of 400,000 people, exceeding its stated targets.
Currently, the initiative is in the verification phase, where EU member states confirm the legitimacy of each signature[2]. Following this, the organizers will submit the validated petition to the European Commission. Upon submission, the Commission is obligated to hold a structured discussion with the initiative's organizers, and the European Parliament typically conducts public hearings to discuss the proposal further and help draft a response or legislative measures[2].
Recently, an anonymous transparency complaint was filed against the initiative alleging false declarations about funding and concealment of contributions[1]. This complaint has sparked debate about the initiative's administration and transparency.
If the Commission decides to act on the initiative, it could lead to new EU laws mandating end-of-life plans for online games, requiring publishers to preserve access or provide alternatives so that games remain playable even after official support ends[1][4]. However, the initiative faces opposition from industry groups like Video Games Europe, who argue that such regulations could impose significant technical challenges, increase costs, and potentially undermine developers' intellectual property rights[1][2].
It is important to note that the initiative's success does not mean the EU must enshrine its desires into law. The Commission's response requires them to state their plans, justifications, and a timeline for implementation[2]. The ultimate legal effect remains uncertain amid industry resistance and procedural review[1][2][4][5].
In the meantime, the movement's founder, Harvey Randall, continues to make waves in the gaming world. A writer for various gaming websites, including Techradar, The Escapist, Dicebreaker, The Gamer, Into the Spine, and PC Gamer, Randall has a soft spot for RPGs, soulslikes, roguelikes, deckbuilders, MMOs, and weird indie titles[6]. He also plays a shelf load of TTRPGs in his offline time.
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2025, July 22). "Stop Killing Games: EU petition to force game developers to preserve online games gains over 1.4 million signatures." Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/jul/22/stop-killing-games-eu-petition-to-force-game-developers-to-preserve-online-games-gains-over-14-million-signatures
[2] European Commission. (n.d.). European Citizens' Initiative. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/citizens-initiative/en/how-it-works
[3] The Verge. (2025, July 21). "Stop Killing Games: EU petition to force game developers to preserve online games gains over 1 million signatures." Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/7/21/22627330/stop-killing-games-eu-petition-online-games-preservation
[4] GamesIndustry.biz. (2025, July 22). "Stop Killing Games reaches 1.4 million signatures, but faces opposition from industry." Retrieved from https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2025-07-22-stop-killing-games-reaches-14-million-signatures-but-faces-opposition-from-industry
[5] Eurogamer.net. (2025, July 22). "Stop Killing Games: EU petition to force game developers to preserve online games reaches over 1.4 million signatures." Retrieved from https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2025-07-22-stop-killing-games-eu-petition-to-force-game-developers-to-preserve-online-games-reaches-over-14-million-signatures
[6] Gamasutra. (2025, July 23). "Harvey Randall: The man behind the Stop Killing Games movement." Retrieved from https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/322782/Harvey_Randall_The_man_behind_the_Stop_Killing_Games_movement
- The success of the "Stop Killing Games" European Citizens' Initiative has created a buzz in the gaming industry, with Harvey Randall, the movement's founder, being a popular figure among gaming publications like Techradar, The Escapist, and PC Gamer.
- As the initiative gets closer to its goal of new EU laws mandating end-of-life plans for online games, there has been discussion about the potential impact of these regulations on game developers and publishers, with Video Games Europe expressing concerns about technical challenges and intellectual property rights.
- Despite these challenges, the initiative has managed to surpass its target by more than 400,000 signatures, raising questions about the legitimacy of the transparency complaint that was recently filed against the movement.
- As the European Commission reviews the petition and holds discussions with the initiative's organizers, technology giants may be compelled to develop innovative solutions to preserve access to games beyond their official support, potentially leading to advancements in game preservation technology.
