Campaign To Stop Publishers Removing Access To Paid Games Gains Momentum
April Ossington
09 Jun 2026
A consumer rights campaign challenging the way video game publishers retire online titles is gaining international attention, with lawmakers now being asked to consider whether players should retain access to games they have purchased.
The movement, known as Stop Killing Games, was launched in 2024 by content creator Ross Scott after Ubisoft shut down servers for The Crew, an online-only racing game that could no longer be played once support ended. The campaign has since gathered almost 1.3 million signatures and is awaiting a response from the European Commission.
Ross Scott
Supporters argue the issue extends beyond a single game. As more publishers adopt online-dependent and live-service business models, players can lose access to purchased titles when servers are switched off. Campaigners are not demanding that companies maintain servers indefinitely, but instead want developers to provide end-of-life solutions that allow games to remain playable after official support ends.
Publishers and industry groups have pushed back, arguing that maintaining ageing online infrastructure is not always commercially viable. They also warn that new regulations could increase development costs for future games.
The debate comes as governments in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States examine whether existing consumer laws adequately address digital ownership. Proposed legislation in California would require publishers to either preserve access to games after online services end or offer refunds to customers.
For campaigners, the issue is straightforward. They believe consumers should not lose access to a product simply because a publisher decides to discontinue support years after purchase.
