Game Preservation Faces Industry Pushback
Video Games Europe argues proposals would stifle creativity and increase costs.
The “Stop Killing Games” campaign, advocating for game preservation guidelines, is facing resistance. Lobby group Video Games Europe suggests the proposals could make game development too expensive, potentially limiting developers’ choices.
Industry Concerns
Video Games Europe, representing numerous European publishers and developers, addressed the campaign this week, arguing that the suggested guidelines are not viable. Their statement emphasizes the complexities involved in shutting down online services.
According to Video Games Europe, deciding to discontinue online services is complicated, never easily taken on and has to be an opportunity for companies when an online experience is no longer commercially durable.
The group acknowledges player disappointment but asserts that adequate notice is generally provided, adhering to local consumer laws.
Furthermore, they cast doubt on the feasibility of offering private servers as an alternative, citing potential security risks. The Entertainment Software Association reports that 81% of U.S. households own a video game console (ESA 2023), highlighting the broad reach and potential impact of such security concerns.
Video Games Europe also warns that private servers do not always work as an option for players, as the protections we put in place to secure players’ information, remove illegal content and combat unsafe content created by fans disappear, while the licensee is vulnerable to potential lawsuits.
The group adds that many games are specifically designed to be online only, so these changes would restrict developers’ options and drive up development costs.
Campaign Response
Shortly after Video Games Europe’s statement, the Stop Killing Games organizers responded, calling their reasons flimsy. They posted their reaction via social media, while also asserting that the statement is a testament to the campaign’s growing influence.
Their statement is so thin. "It's too haaaaaard" is not a good reason to not take some responsibility for the products you sell. If it's too hard, maybe don't sell games that are doomed to be unplayable in a few years?
They know we're not going away. That's why they said anything.
— Accursed Farms – The Lapsed Fan (@accursedfarms) June 28, 2024
Campaign Momentum
Stop Killing Games has surpassed 1.25 million signatures and is aiming for 1.4 million to account for any potential invalid submissions. Surpassing one million signatures allows the campaign to present its case to the European Commission through the “bourgeois initiative.”
See also: Over a million signatures of EU campaign for game preservation »
