Stop Killing Games Movement Gains Ground In Malta And Across Europe
A growing international consumer movement known as Stop Killing Games is gaining traction across Europe, including Malta, where more than 2,000 people have signed in support of the campaign.
The initiative is challenging the legality of video game publishers rendering games unplayable after ending official support, despite having sold them as goods with no expiration date.
MEP Peter Agius has taken to Instagram with a video calling for gamers to sign the citizen’s initiative and said that once it reaches the European Parliament, he will support it fully. “I think it is a good initiative, an initiative for the people, where they have made a strong point that Europe needs to protect its citizens, in this case, videogamers.”
The campaign, which began as a grassroots effort, argues that the practice amounts to a form of planned obsolescence, with serious implications for both consumer rights and digital preservation. Many modern video games, especially online titles, are designed so that once publisher servers are shut down, the game ceases to function, even for paying customers.
According to the movement’s website, “Stop Killing Games seeks to require publishers that sell games to customers to ensure those games remain playable, or release the code necessary for them to continue functioning.”
Over the past year, the group has escalated formal complaints to consumer protection agencies in France, Germany, and Australia. They have also petitioned for legislative changes in several jurisdictions. While most formal processes are now awaiting decisions from respective governments, public engagement continues to play a vital role.
The campaign is drawing particular interest in the EU, where digital consumer rights have become an increasingly prominent issue, reflecting concern among gamers and consumers about their rights over purchased digital content.
While only residents of certain countries can directly participate in the remaining legal and policy actions, organisers stress the importance of awareness and outreach. “If there is success on this issue in a major country, customers will likely benefit from the changes globally due to market forces,” the group noted.
Earlier this year, the campaign reached over 1.4 million signatures globally, and coverage by international media has continued to boost visibility. The movement is calling on consumers worldwide to spread the word, particularly among those in eligible countries who can support legal or political action.
For more information and to follow the campaign’s progress, visit: Stop Killing Games
READ NEXT: 'Unacceptable': Malta Joins 27 Nations Criticising Israel Over Gaza
