Stop Killing Games: A Call to Preserve Digital Game Access
The Stop Killing Games initiative, led by Ross Scott from Accursed Farms, is a passionate movement advocating for the preservation of digital games. As video games become an essential part of the cultural and entertainment landscape, the increasing trend of publishers shutting down games or limiting access has sparked concern among gamers. The movement focuses on ensuring that consumers who purchase digital content retain access to the games they love, even after official support ends.
The Genesis of the Stop Killing Games Movement
The Stop Killing Games initiative was born in 2024 after Ubisoft announced that its popular game, The Crew, would be shutting down its servers, rendering the game unplayable. This decision highlighted a growing issue in the gaming industry: once a game’s servers are shut down, players are often left without any recourse, despite having paid for the game.
Ross Scott, well-known for his YouTube series Freeman’s Mind, took a stand by launching the Stop Killing Games movement. He was frustrated by the industry’s trend of abandoning games after their initial release, and he wanted to fight back. The goal is to advocate for consumer rights to preserve access to games and to create laws that protect gamers from having their purchased content taken away.
What the Stop Killing Games Initiative Aims to Achieve
At its core, the Stop Killing Games initiative has several key objectives:
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Game Preservation: Advocating for laws that require game publishers to maintain access to games or to allow the gaming community to take over and keep the games alive when official support ends.
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Consumer Rights Protection: Ensuring that players maintain access to games they have purchased, preventing companies from removing or shutting down games without alternatives for consumers.
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Increased Transparency from Developers: Pressuring publishers to clearly communicate the lifespan of their games and outline future plans for server maintenance, online services, and content updates.
Challenges and Setbacks
Despite its momentum, the Stop Killing Games initiative has faced challenges:
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Misinformation: Critics like Jason Thor Hall of Pirate Software raised concerns that the movement could push developers to maintain games forever. Ross Scott responded by clarifying that the goal is not to force perpetual support, but to ensure players do not lose access to the games they have invested in.
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Gathering Signatures: The European Citizens’ Initiative requires 1 million signatures, and as of June 2025, the petition had gathered around 465,000. The deadline is approaching rapidly on July 31, 2025, and the UK petition will close on July 14, 2025. Support is essential for meeting these goals.
Why the Stop Killing Games Initiative Matters
The Stop Killing Games initiative is critical for the future of gaming. Digital content is now a significant part of our lives, and as gamers, we deserve the right to continue enjoying the products we’ve invested in. This initiative represents a necessary shift in the gaming industry, pushing developers to take more responsibility for the longevity of their games.
The Stop Killing Games movement is about more than just saving individual titles. It is about creating a future where games are treated as lasting investments, rather than temporary experiences that can be shut down without warning. By supporting this initiative, gamers can advocate for fairer treatment of their digital content and ensure the preservation of their favorite games for future generations.
How You Can Support the Stop Killing Games Initiative
The time is now to take action. The final deadline for the Stop Killing Games initiative is July 9, 2025, and your support can make a difference. Here’s how you can get involved:
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Sign the Petition: Visit the official Stop Killing Games website to sign the petition and show your support. Every signature counts.
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Spread the Word: Share information about the movement on social media and with friends to help raise awareness.
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Join the Discussion: Engage with the community and let others know why this cause is important to you.
For more information and to add your support, visit stopkillinggames.com.
Conclusion: The Fight for Digital Game Preservation
The Stop Killing Games initiative is a vital step in ensuring that the future of gaming is secure for consumers. By pushing for legislation that guarantees continued access to purchased digital games, this movement aims to protect the investments of players and create a more sustainable gaming landscape.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, this cause impacts everyone who loves video games. Stand up for your rights as a gamer and help preserve the future of digital entertainment.
