Less than two weeks ago, the Stop Killing Games initiative faced significant challenges. Founder Ross Scott expressed concerns as the deadlines for petitions in the EU and UK loomed, with both falling short of the required signatures to advance. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically since then. Scott’s urgent appeal sparked renewed interest and engagement, resulting in both petitions surpassing their targets.
UK Petition Surpasses 100,000 Signatures
The UK petition was the first to cross the finish line, achieving the necessary 100,000 signatures to warrant consideration for a debate in Parliament. This milestone is particularly noteworthy given the UK government’s prior response to the petition in May, when it had exceeded 10,000 signatures. At that time, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport stated that existing laws were sufficient, effectively dismissing the petition’s call for stricter regulations. However, this earlier response does not impede any potential parliamentary discussions that may arise from the newly amassed signatures.
European Citizens’ Initiative Gains Momentum
In a remarkable turn of events, the European Citizens’ Initiative has also gained traction, surpassing one million signatures earlier today. This achievement obligates the European Commission to review the initiative and consider taking action. Scott remains cautiously optimistic about the potential outcomes of both petitions, though he expresses greater hope for the EU petition compared to its UK counterpart.
Community Dynamics and Challenges
In a recent video update, Scott addressed some community dynamics, noting the emergence of a cryptocurrency linked to the Stop Killing Games initiative. He cautioned supporters that this cryptocurrency is unrelated to the campaign and likely a scam. Additionally, Scott urged his followers to refrain from harassing PirateSoftware, also known as Thor, a streamer who has been critical of the initiative. He emphasized a desire for a peaceful resolution, stating, “If Thor and I never bother each other again, that is just fine by me.”
Future Outlook
Regarding the UK petition, Scott believes the signatures collected are largely legitimate, although he encourages supporters to continue signing to create a safety margin. Currently, the UK petition boasts nearly 140,000 signatures, providing a comfortable buffer above the minimum requirement. While Scott holds more optimism for the EU petition, he finds solace in the fact that the outcome of the UK petition cannot be worse than the current situation: “A member of Parliament could sneeze on the petition and that would not be a worse answer.”