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.

EU Gamers Rally Behind Playability Rights

Nearly 40% of the Goal Achieved

The "Stop Destroying Video Games" petition has secured the necessary number of signatures in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden, exceeding expectations 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 frustration over games rendered unplayable after official support ends. It advocates for legislation compelling publishers to ensure continued functionality of online games, even after planned server closures.

The petition explicitly states its aim: "to require publishers selling or licensing videogames in the EU…to leave said videogames in a functional (playable) state. This prevents publishers from remotely disabling videogames without reasonable means for continued operation independent of the publisher."

The petition highlights the controversial shutdown of Ubisoft's The Crew, a 2014 racing game with over 12 million players. Ubisoft's March 2024 server closure, attributed to infrastructure and licensing issues, sparked outrage and even lawsuits in California alleging violation of consumer protection laws.

While the petition is still some way from its target, EU citizens of voting age have until July 31st, 2025, to add their support. Although non-EU residents cannot sign, they can help by promoting the petition to those eligible.