A European Union petition demanding publishers maintain the playability of online games after server shutdowns is gaining significant traction. The initiative, aiming for one million signatures, has already surpassed its threshold in seven EU nations. Let's delve into the details.

EU Gamers Unite Against Abandonware

39% of the Goal Achieved

The "Stop Destroying Video Games" petition has secured the necessary signatures in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden, exceeding targets in some cases. This impressive showing represents 397,943 signatures – a significant 39% of the one million signature goal.

Launched in June, the petition addresses the growing concern of unplayable games rendered obsolete after publisher support ends. It advocates for legislation compelling publishers to ensure continued game functionality even after official server closures.

As the petition states, "This initiative demands that publishers selling or licensing videogames (or related assets) in the EU maintain the games in a playable state. Specifically, it aims to prevent publishers from remotely disabling games without providing reasonable alternatives for continued gameplay independent of publisher involvement."

The petition highlights the controversial shutdown of Ubisoft's The Crew, a 2014 racing game with over 12 million players worldwide. Ubisoft's March 2024 server closure, citing infrastructure and licensing issues, rendered the game unplayable, sparking outrage and even lawsuits in California alleging consumer rights violations.

While the petition is far from reaching its million-signature goal, EU citizens still have until July 31st, 2025, to sign. Non-EU gamers, while unable to sign, can help by promoting the petition to those who can.