EU Petition Calls for End to "Video Game Destruction"

A European Union petition aiming to prevent publishers from remotely disabling video games has gained significant traction, exceeding its signature threshold in seven member states. Learn more about this important initiative!

EU Gamers Unite Against Abandonware

Nearly 40% of the Goal Reached

The "Stop Destroying Video Games" petition has surpassed its signature target in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. This impressive showing brings the total number of signatures to 397,943 – a significant 39% of the one million signatures needed to compel the EU to consider the petition.

Launched in June, the petition addresses the growing issue of video games becoming unplayable after publisher support ends. It advocates for legislation requiring publishers to maintain the functionality of games they sell within the EU, even after official support ceases.

As the petition states, "This initiative seeks to prevent publishers from remotely disabling videogames, mandating that reasonable means are provided to ensure continued functionality without publisher involvement."

The petition cites the shutdown of Ubisoft's The Crew in March 2024 as a prime example. Despite a large player base (estimated at 12 million worldwide), server closures rendered the game unplayable, sparking outrage among players and even legal action in California.

While the petition is nearing its halfway point, there's still work to be done. EU citizens of voting age have until July 31st, 2025, to sign the petition. Those outside the EU are encouraged to share the petition to help raise awareness.