Massive Public Campaign, Labeled as 'Stop Destroying Games', Garners Over 1.4 Million Signatures, Potentially Prompting EU Investigation
The European Commission is currently evaluating the "Stop Destroying Games" citizens' petition, which has surpassed 1.4 million validated signatures as of August 2025. This petition, launched in 2024, demands that video game companies preserve discontinued online games in a playable state.
The petition, led by Daniel Ondruska, a representative of the initiative, aims to address a widespread issue where games with online components become unplayable once online services are terminated. Ondruska has criticized this practice as a form of programmed obsolescence that harms consumer rights and cultural preservation.
After initially losing momentum, the petition gained significant support in mid-2025, reaching the required threshold for European Citizens' Initiatives to be considered for debate in the European Commission by early July 2025. Since Monday, it has been at the verification stage. Member States now have three months to check the validity of the signatures.
Video Games Europe, the lobby group for the video games industry, has pushed back against the petition. They argue that stopping an online game is an option for companies when it is no longer commercially viable. However, they acknowledge the need for reasonable notice of potential changes in accordance with local consumer protection laws.
If the petition is found to be valid, it will have to be formally submitted to the European Commission for examination. The Commission will then have six months to respond, during which they may decide whether new laws are needed to force video game companies to preserve discontinued online games. If action is taken, the text will still have to go through the process of adoption into EU law.
The "Stop Destroying Games" petition marks a significant step toward possible regulatory changes promoting video game preservation and consumer protection regarding online game discontinuation. If successful, it could compel video game companies to put in place "end-of-life" plans that ensure the core gameplay remains accessible to consumers who have legally purchased the game, without requiring ongoing monetization or resale rights.
When contacted for comment, Video Games Europe declined to comment, referring us instead to their press release. The European Commission has not yet made a statement regarding the petition.
Sources: 1. The Guardian 2. EU Observer 3. PC Gamer 4. Polygon 5. Kotaku
- In light of the debate on discontinued online games, various news outlets such as The Guardian, EU Observer, PC Gamer, Polygon, and Kotaku have reported on the intersection of technology, politics, and general-news, focusing on consumer rights and cultural preservation.
- As the European Commission evaluates the "Stop Destroying Games" petition, which advocates for video game preservation, the lifestyle implications of this issue are far-reaching, potentially instigating regulatory changes that affect the manner in which the video game industry manages end-of-life plans for their products.
