A group of European publishers is expressing concern over the “Stop Killing Games” movement, which aims to challenge the current trend of live-service gaming. Publishers warn that if the initiative gains traction, it could jeopardize certain developers and their financial viability. With the shift towards digital-only and live-service games, the issue of game preservation has become critical. Many players fear that online-only titles, like Ubisoft’s The Crew, could be lost forever once their servers are shut down.
The “Stop Killing Games” movement has recently gained momentum, thanks in part to popular gaming YouTuber Ross Scott, who spearheaded the campaign. It has rapidly attracted over a million signatures from fans anxious about the future of gaming. The initiative intends to bring its message to either the UK’s Parliament or the European Commission once it amasses sufficient support. In response, the European publisher group Video Games Europe has voiced its opposition to the movement.
In an official statement, the group conveyed that the cancellation of live-service games is often necessary for studios, particularly from a financial perspective. They emphasized the importance of user data privacy and the challenges posed by potential illegal content on private servers, suggesting that the movement would lead to higher costs for developing live-service games. The ongoing conversation around live-service gaming reflects a broader trend in the industry, where many successful titles have adopted this model. However, as online modes become integral to modern gaming experiences, they often face premature closures, contributing to the urgency surrounding game preservation.
Developers are increasingly working to make classic titles accessible, with initiatives like Capcom Fighting Collection 2 and Nintendo’s “Switch Online” service exemplifying efforts to keep older games alive. The debate over the preservation of games is expected to remain significant as fans advocate against the potential loss of increasingly digital gaming experiences.