The Stop Killing Games initiative is a consumer movement driven by anger and frustration over the end of support for popular online videogames without warning or alternatives. Originating on platforms like YouTube, the campaign was inspired by creators such as Ross Scott, best known for his YouTube channel Accursed Farms.
The movement calls for a new law for online games in regions like the UK, European Union, and the United States that would prevent game publishers from abruptly pulling the plug on live-service games. Supporters argue that when games disappear, so do the time, money, and memories players invested in them.
As of June 30, the number of signatures on the parliament petition and broader campaign has exceeded 721,000, with less than a month remaining before the July 31st deadline. The movement has become a cross-border effort, with thousands of EU citizens joining voices from the UK, India, and the U.S.
The core demands of the petition include:
Preventing Sony, Microsoft, and other publishers from shutting down purchased content
Requiring offline or archival modes post-shutdown
Holding platforms like PC and console stores accountable for preserving purchases
Popular YouTube channels have played a massive role in spreading the message. Alongside Ross Scott, who launched the initiative, PewDiePie’s endorsement further amplified awareness. Scott’s videos dissect the ethical and legal implications of killing games and argue that it’s time for serious reform.
On June 29, Ross Scott reminded viewers of the fast-approaching deadline and called for a final push. “This is about more than games—it’s about ownership,” he said. The campaign has become a talking point in online gaming culture and among consumer rights advocates alike.
In the UK, a formal parliament petition has been filed to urge lawmakers to consider digital preservation legislation. It’s part of a broader pressure campaign targeting the European Union and global governments to recognize the rights of digital consumers.
The petition aims to make it illegal to render a paid game unplayable after end of support without offering a standalone version. Supporters believe this is a logical next step in consumer protection—especially in the digital age, where ownership often means access through a server.
The loss of a videogame is not just a product going out of stock—it can be the loss of a digital home. Titles like The Crew, which recently lost PC support, and Crime Boss: Rockay City demonstrate how games can be deleted from existence, even for paying customers.
For many players, it’s not just about nostalgia—it’s about preserving art, history, and identity. “Games are not just software—they’re social spaces,” said one supporter in a MassivelyOP interview. The Stop Killing Games initiative highlights that, and gamers are clearly ready to take the fight beyond social media and into parliament and courts.
Although it started small, Stop Killing Games is now a global consumer movement. The mix of frustrated players, game preservationists, and lawmakers is pushing the conversation beyond game forums and into mainstream policy discussions.
In the EU, where digital market regulation is increasingly a hot topic, some EU citizens have begun lobbying Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to consider support mechanisms for digital content preservation.
Even if legislation is slow to come, the campaign’s visibility has made a permanent impact. The number of signatures alone shows that the industry can no longer dismiss these concerns as niche.
The campaign’s organizers are urging all gamers to act before July 31st—a date that could become symbolic if real legislative traction follows. Whether or not the full 750K goal is met, the movement has shifted public discourse around game ownership, preservation, and corporate accountability.
From Ross Scott’s YouTube channel to UK parliament, the call is loud: Stop killing games.
Here’s how to support the campaign before the deadline:
Sign the petition via Change.org and the official parliament petition (if you're a UK or EU citizen)
Share the hashtag #StopKillingGames
Support preservation-friendly developers and publishers
Spread the word on platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and Twitter
The Stop Killing Games movement is redefining what it means to own a game in the 21st century. As we approach July 31st, one thing is clear: gamers around the world are no longer willing to accept losing access to the worlds they love—especially when they paid for them.
Miles Hollen · Editor
Editor
