The “Stop Killing Games” consumer rights movement is establishing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the United States and the European Union, its founder Ross Scott announced in a YouTube video. The move, reported by PC Gamer and PCMag, aims to provide a permanent structure for lobbying and advocacy regarding digital game ownership, and preservation.
The campaign originated as a response to concerns about publishers removing access to video games purchased by consumers, most notably Ubisoft’s delisting of The Crew. Scott stated in the video, as reported by Engadget, that he believes “we’re going to win this, namely the problem of publishers destroying video games that you’ve already paid for.”
According to reports, the US and EU-based NGOs will focus on codifying the original “Stop Killing Games” petition into EU law. The petition garnered over one million signatures, highlighting widespread consumer frustration with the practice of digital game revocation. The NGOs will also pursue “watchdog actions,” including a system for reporting publishers who revoke access to purchased games, according to Engadget.
The campaign leadership is scheduled to meet with the European Commission to discuss the issue, and is also preparing a 500-page legal document outlining controversial industry practices. Ubisoft has already responded to pressure from the movement by updating The Crew 2 with an offline mode, allowing continued play even without active server support.
Scott indicated the creation of the NGOs is intended to demonstrate the movement’s long-term commitment to the issue. “We’re not just going away on this,” PC Gamer quoted Scott as saying.
