In 2023, the gaming landscape faced a significant challenge as numerous titles, including popular franchises like Battlefield and Call of Duty: Warzone, were rendered unplayable due to the shutdown of their online servers. This trend has raised concerns not only about game preservation but also about consumer rights, as players find themselves unable to access products they have purchased.
The Dual Tragedy of Game Shutdowns
The closure of game servers leads to two poignant losses. First, it marks the end of countless hours of hard work by dedicated teams of programmers, artists, and writers who poured their creativity into these projects. Their efforts, often spanning years, vanish along with the game. Second, it poses a significant issue for consumers. When individuals buy a game, they expect to enjoy it indefinitely, akin to owning a book or a movie. Unfortunately, the current legal framework offers little recourse when a game becomes inaccessible.
Ross Scott, known for his YouTube series Freeman’s Mind, is a prominent advocate for change through the initiative Stop Killing Games. He draws a striking parallel between the modern practice of shutting down games and the historical actions of movie studios that destroyed silent films after their initial screenings. Scott emphasizes the importance of preserving games, not just for nostalgia but as a matter of consumer rights.
A Legislative Approach to Game Preservation
In response to these challenges, a new legislative effort is gaining traction in the European Union. The “European Citizens Initiative” aims to gather one million signatures to propose a law that would require publishers to maintain games in a playable state, even if their servers are shut down or the studios close. The initiative highlights a growing concern regarding the increasing reliance on online connectivity for games, which often leads to their obsolescence once support ceases.
The petition articulates a clear expectation: publishers should provide resources to keep games functional after discontinuation. This could involve enabling players to host games on their own servers or eliminating the need for a connection to defunct publisher servers. A notable example of this approach is the developer behind Knockout City, which took steps to allow continued play after shutting down its official servers.
Inclusivity of the Initiative
The proposed law extends beyond traditional purchases, encompassing free-to-play games that feature microtransactions. The rationale is straightforward: if players invest in assets within a free game, they should retain access to those items indefinitely. This approach reinforces the notion that consumer rights should extend to all forms of digital entertainment.
While gathering a million signatures is no small feat, the initiative has made a promising start, amassing approximately 45,000 signatures within just one day of its launch. The campaign will remain open for a full year, providing ample opportunity to reach the target. For those interested in supporting this cause, further details can be found on the official initiative page and at StopKillingGames.com.
