The industry filed false claims against the "Stop Killing Games" initiative

Summary

In this video, the creator of the Stop Killing Games movement addresses a recent anonymous accusation against the initiative, claiming it violated EU regulations. The accusations include false declarations and failure to disclose volunteer work as contributions, which the creator disputes. They clarify their role as a promoter, not an official member, and highlight how the initiative adheres to EU guidelines. Despite industry pushback and the complaint, they remain committed to the cause of protecting consumer rights and advocating for end-of-life plans for games, stressing the need to continue the fight despite growing resistance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Stop Killing Games campaign challenges the legality of publishers destroying games that consumers have already purchased.
• 😀 The creator of the campaign is not officially a part of the European Citizens Initiative, but is a major promoter of it.
• 😀 The Stop Destroying Video Games Initiative faces an accusation of two violations: false funding declarations and concealment of contributions.
• 😀 The creator disputes claims about the hours worked on the campaign, stating that the estimates made by the accuser are inaccurate and unfounded.
• 😀 The EU rules state that individuals like the creator who volunteer their time are not considered sponsors and do not need to report their efforts.
• 😀 The anonymous complaint against the initiative appears to be based on fabricated or misunderstood claims regarding time investment and financial contributions.
• 😀 The European Union has confirmed that the initiative is compliant with its regulations, dismissing the anonymous accusations.
• 😀 The timing of the accusations raises suspicions that they are part of a broader attempt to undermine the initiative, possibly backed by industry lobbying groups.
• 😀 The gaming industry, through organizations like Video Games Europe, has been actively fighting against the initiative, often using misdirection and inaccurate information.
• 😀 Despite these setbacks, the campaign continues to gain support, including backing from European Parliament members who advocate for consumer protection in the gaming industry.
• 😀 The creator expresses concern about the future, anticipating that further attacks on the initiative may occur, but remains committed to the cause and urges supporters to stay vigilant.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the Stop Killing Games movement?

The main goal of the Stop Killing Games movement is to challenge the legality of publishers destroying video games that consumers have already paid for. This includes advocating for transparency and the preservation of digital game ownership.

Who founded the Stop Killing Games movement, and what is their role in the European Citizens Initiative?

The founder of the Stop Killing Games movement is the speaker in the video. While they are not the founder of the European Citizens Initiative (ECI), they are a major promoter of it and have assisted with the campaign, but they do not have an official role due to being ineligible.

What recent accusation has been made against the Stop Destroying Video Games Initiative?

An anonymous source accused the Stop Destroying Video Games Initiative of two violations: a false no funding declaration and systematic concealment of major contributions, particularly related to undisclosed professional contributions.

How does the speaker respond to the accusations about their volunteer work?

The speaker denies the accusations, explaining that they worked long hours out of personal dedication to the cause, but they never tracked their hours. The speaker also clarifies that their work was volunteer-based, and they were never paid for their time, contrasting the fabricated professional rates mentioned in the accusation.

How does the European Union define sponsors for initiatives like the European Citizens Initiative?

Under EU regulations, sponsors are individuals or organizations that provide financial support over 500 euros or contribute economically quantifiable in-kind donations. Volunteers who offer non-financial support are not considered sponsors and do not need to be reported.

Why does the speaker argue they are not considered a sponsor under the EU rules?

The speaker argues that they are not a sponsor because they did not provide financial support nor represent any official organization. As a volunteer, their contributions fall under non-financial support, which does not require reporting under EU rules.

What does the speaker suggest about the anonymous complaint against the initiative?

The speaker suggests that the anonymous complaint may not be from a concerned citizen but could be part of a targeted effort by industry lobbyists or other forces trying to derail the initiative. They view the timing of the complaint as suspicious, particularly in relation to recent statements from industry groups.

How does the speaker view the industry's response to the Stop Killing Games initiative?

The speaker believes the industry is fighting the Stop Killing Games initiative aggressively through lobbying and smear tactics. They are concerned that as the initiative gains more traction, the industry will escalate their efforts to undermine it.

What are the potential next steps for the industry, according to the speaker?

The speaker anticipates that if the industry cannot kill the initiative outright, they may attempt to discredit it by using negative tactics to make politicians wary of supporting it. They fear that more serious attacks could come, including fabricated stories to undermine the movement's credibility.

What progress has the Stop Killing Games movement made despite the opposition?

Despite the opposition from the industry, the movement has gained significant support, including backing from members of the European Parliament. The speaker mentions figures like Nikolai Stephanuda, a vice president of the European Parliament, who has publicly supported the initiative.