Stop Killing Games Was Doomed. Now It Can't Be Stopped

Summary

The Stop Killing Games Initiative, aimed at preserving video games in the face of server shutdowns, has gained significant momentum after struggling for months. Originally stalled with only 450k signatures, the campaign surged due to viral drama, especially involving Pirate Software's opposition and World of Warcraft events. The initiative calls for games to remain playable offline, ensuring long-term access for consumers. The EU petition now needs 263k signatures to succeed, with the potential for global impact on game preservation laws and consumer rights.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Stop Killing Games Initiative aims to prevent video game destruction by ensuring that future games remain playable even after servers are shut down.
• 😀 The initiative faced major setbacks early on, struggling to reach its signature goals, with only 450K signatures gathered after months of effort.
• 😀 A viral drama involving Pirate Software and the Ubisoft game's shutdown helped generate a surge in support for the initiative, adding over 240,000 signatures in just 7 days.
• 😀 The key issue at hand is the difference between purchasing a product versus a license, with players often unaware that they're buying a license, not ownership of the game.
• 😀 The EU Citizens Initiative requires 1 million signatures from EU citizens, and a minimum threshold of support from at least 7 EU countries to gain legislative consideration.
• 😀 Despite setbacks, the initiative saw a major resurgence after a video by Ross Scott (of Accursed Farms), which refocused attention on the issue and reignited support.
• 😀 Pirate Software initially opposed the initiative, arguing that overregulation could favor large companies like AAA studios, but this sparked more public debate.
• 😀 The drama around Pirate Software and his involvement in World of Warcraft gameplay controversies led to increased visibility for the initiative and contributed to a massive surge in support.
• 😀 The core problem is that consumers think they are buying a product when they are actually buying a license, and laws need to reflect this distinction to protect consumers.
• 😀 Ubisoft has started testing offline modes for The Crew 2 and Motorfest, indicating that the Stop Killing Games movement has influenced even major companies to consider changes for game preservation.

Q & A

What is the Stop Killing Games Initiative?

The Stop Killing Games Initiative is a movement aiming to address the issue of video games being rendered unplayable due to server shutdowns. It seeks to require game developers to ensure that games remain accessible in some form, even after online services are discontinued, through offline modes or peer-to-peer solutions.

How does the EU Citizens' Initiative factor into the Stop Killing Games movement?

The EU Citizens' Initiative allows EU citizens to propose legislative agendas. The Stop Killing Games movement is using this platform to push for a resolution that would require future games to remain playable, even if online servers are shut down. To be successful, it needs 1 million signatures and support from at least seven EU countries.

What was the role of Ross Scott in the movement?

Ross Scott, known for his work on 'Freeman's Mind' and 'Dead Game News,' is one of the main figures behind the Stop Killing Games movement. He started the initiative after Ubisoft shut down the online features of 'The Crew,' which rendered the game unplayable for many. Scott is pushing for legal clarification on whether consumers are purchasing a product or just a license.

What is the main legal issue that the Stop Killing Games movement is addressing?

The main legal issue revolves around whether consumers are purchasing a product or a license when they buy a game. The Stop Killing Games initiative argues that people are being sold a product that can be taken away if servers are shut down, while game companies like Ubisoft view it as selling licenses for live services that can be revoked at any time.

How has Pirate Software's involvement influenced the campaign?

Pirate Software, initially opposing the initiative, argued that overregulation could favor large AAA companies, which have the resources to comply with new regulations. His position led to public disagreements and significant drama, which ultimately brought more attention to the Stop Killing Games campaign, contributing to a surge in signatures.

Why did the Stop Killing Games campaign face a setback last year?

The campaign struggled because of a lack of momentum and several setbacks, including a planned feature in GOG's newsletter being attacked by layoffs and Heineken pulling out of the campaign. By April of the following year, the campaign was stagnant, with only a small increase in signatures.

What role did the World of Warcraft drama play in revitalizing the movement?

The World of Warcraft drama, particularly a contentious dungeon run involving Pirate Software, contributed significantly to the movement's resurgence. As Pirate became embroiled in negative publicity, the Stop Killing Games initiative gained more attention, with people rallying behind it and pushing the petition forward.

What is the current status of the Stop Killing Games petition?

As of the latest update, the Stop Killing Games petition has surged from 454K to over 737K signatures in a short time. The initiative now needs approximately 263K more signatures within 30 days to reach the 1 million mark required for the EU Commission to consider taking action.

How could the EU respond if the petition succeeds?

If the petition succeeds, the EU Commission will consider further action, which could involve legislative changes or guidance on existing consumer laws. While it might not immediately lead to new laws, it would provide a formal statement and set a precedent for future legal discussions on game preservation.

What are the potential benefits of the Stop Killing Games movement?

The potential benefits include increased consumer awareness, better consumer protections, and improved game preservation. Developers would be required to consider providing offline access or alternative solutions when shutting down servers, ensuring that games remain playable even after online features are discontinued.