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Game industry lobby group that argued against preservation efforts from libraries is now pushing back on Stop Killing Games, saying it could prevent 'new games, features, and technology'
AppWizard
May 12, 2026

Game industry lobby group that argued against preservation efforts from libraries is now pushing back on Stop Killing Games, saying it could prevent ‘new games, features, and technology’

Stop Killing Games has evolved from a grassroots initiative to a significant international player, with presentations at the European Parliament and collaborations with global NGOs expected by 2026. In April, the organization endorsed the Protect Our Games Act (AB 1921), which aims to require game developers to inform consumers of server shutdowns and provide options such as offline versions, patches, or refunds. Smaller game studios are adapting their titles to remain playable post-server closure, with examples including Lunarch Studios and 1047 Games. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) opposes the bill, claiming it burdens developers, while Stop Killing Games clarifies that the legislation does not require perpetual server maintenance. Historically, the ESA has lobbied against measures to preserve game access, including opposing a DMCA exemption for libraries and museums. The ESA's concerns mirror those of Video Games Europe, warning that Stop Killing Games' demands could lead to unsafe content and financial burdens on developers.
In France they "buried" Windows 10 at the Microsoft office
Winsage
April 25, 2026

In France they “buried” Windows 10 at the Microsoft office

On April 24, a protest organized by environmental and consumer advocacy groups took place outside the Microsoft France office in Paris to oppose the company's decision to discontinue support for the Windows 10 operating system. Activists claim this could lead to the obsolescence of approximately 300 million computers worldwide, resulting in 58 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and significant depletion of raw materials. Consumers may face an average cost of €600 for new devices if they upgrade. Experts warn users must choose between expensive new hardware or risking financial fraud due to lack of security updates. The organization Halte à l'Obsolescence Programmée is gathering signatures for a petition advocating for a mandatory 15-year software support period. Public advocacy previously convinced Microsoft to extend its software update releases by an additional 12 months. The protest aims to raise awareness and apply pressure until the end of October.
Why are PC developers removing Denuvo from their games?
AppWizard
March 13, 2026

Why are PC developers removing Denuvo from their games?

Denuvo is a widely recognized digital rights management (DRM) solution used by major publishers like Square Enix, Sega, and EA to prevent unauthorized copying and modification of games. A study indicated that a game could lose up to 20% of revenue if cracked within its first week. Concerns about Denuvo's impact on game performance have been raised, with reports suggesting that games without it may perform better. Issues with titles like Resident Evil Village and Tekken 7 were attributed to improper implementation of additional protection measures. Tekken 7 eventually removed Denuvo, while Resident Evil Village retained it until April 2023. Amplitude Studios launched its game Humankind without Denuvo due to performance issues found during beta testing. Michał Kiciński, CEO of GOG, argued that DRM complicates the experience for legitimate customers and fails to effectively prevent piracy. Saber Interactive decided not to use Denuvo for Space Marine 2, highlighting the nuanced nature of the anti-DRM movement. Denuvo costs around ,000 per month plus fees for each game activation, making its financial justification less compelling as sales decline post-launch. Square Enix has removed Denuvo from titles like Dragon Quest 1 & 2 Remake and Final Fantasy 16 within six months of release, while Capcom has retained it for longer periods. The decision to remove or avoid Denuvo is influenced by performance issues, financial implications, and operational efficiency considerations.
PC Games Class Action Certified
AppWizard
January 26, 2026

PC Games Class Action Certified

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has granted certification for opt-out proceedings against Valve Corporation, alleging that approximately 14 million consumers have been overcharged for games and additional content on Steam, potentially amounting to £656 million. The claim accuses Valve of abusing market dominance through practices such as Platform Parity Obligations, Anti-steering and Tying Provisions, and excessive commission charges. Valve contested the certification, questioning the methodologies for establishing liability and loss, but the CAT dismissed these objections. The Tribunal examined the Class Representative’s funding arrangements and concluded that the claim is representative of a large group of consumers with moderate losses, aligning with the Supreme Court's description of a 'paradigm' case for opt-out certification. Legal representation for the Class Representative was provided by Milberg London LLP and the claim is financially supported by Bench Walk Advisors.
The End of Windows 10 Support Is an E-Waste Disaster in the Making
Winsage
October 15, 2025

The End of Windows 10 Support Is an E-Waste Disaster in the Making

Free support for Windows 10 ended at midnight on Wednesday, affecting around 400 million computers that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. This has raised environmental concerns about increased electronic waste, as many unsupported devices may end up in landfills. Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10, prompting concerns for businesses and institutions that rely on these systems. Over 42 percent of Windows users still use Windows 10, and the decision to discontinue support has been criticized as perplexing. Microsoft continues to offer security updates for a fee, raising questions about corporate responsibility. Consumer rights group PIRG has initiated a campaign urging Microsoft to reconsider its decision, citing a precedent where Google extended support for Chromebooks after advocacy efforts.
Microsoft Is Abandoning Windows 10. Hackers Are Celebrating.
Winsage
October 2, 2025

Microsoft Is Abandoning Windows 10. Hackers Are Celebrating.

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, impacting hundreds of millions of computers in the U.S. and raising concerns about increased electronic waste, estimated to exceed one billion pounds. Approximately 42 percent of Windows computers globally still use Windows 10, compared to only 4 percent for Windows 8 when support was discontinued in 2016. Users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 face limited options: pay for extended support or replace their devices, which can be financially burdensome. Nearly 43 percent of active PCs running Windows 10 are not equipped to upgrade to Windows 11, which requires a 64-bit processor, 64 GB of storage, and a high-definition display. Without ongoing updates, devices running unsupported software become more vulnerable to hacking and data breaches. The FBI estimates that internet crimes will cost U.S. consumers over billion in 2024, a 33 percent increase from the previous year. Consumer advocates emphasize the need for manufacturers to disclose support timelines, with 72 percent of Americans believing this information should be mandatory.
Windows 10 holdouts get another year of software updates
Winsage
September 29, 2025

Windows 10 holdouts get another year of software updates

Microsoft has agreed to extend free updates for Windows 10 users in Europe for an additional year, responding to pressure from consumer advocacy groups. The Dutch Consumers’ Association expressed satisfaction but urged Microsoft to consider ongoing free updates as long as many consumers continue to use Windows 10. Microsoft originally planned to cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. In June 2025, Microsoft announced that security updates would be provided at no cost to users of specific Microsoft services, abandoning a previous fee structure for updates.
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