Live now: Ross Scott discusses the Stop Killing Games movement
The upcoming Ars Live session puts a spotlight on a grassroots effort that began in 2024 when Ubisoft terminated the online service for The Crew, rendering the game unplayable for owners. Scott’s Stop Killing Games initiative has since amassed millions of signatures on petitions aimed at obligating developers to either keep central servers running indefinitely or provide tools for players to host their own. Those petitions have already triggered a formal debate in a European parliament, elicited a response from the European Commission, and spurred a draft bill in the California State Legislature. The interview will examine whether such political pressure can translate into enforceable rights for gamers.
The preservation dilemma that sparked the movement is not isolated. Over the past decade, titles like Destiny, Apex Legends, and numerous indie games have vanished or become severely crippled once their back‑end services were retired, while digital storefronts routinely delist older releases, cutting off legitimate purchasers. Sony’s recent decision to cease manufacturing new PlayStation optical discs adds another layer, as physical media once considered a fallback for long‑term access now faces its own supply constraints. Together, these trends illustrate a shifting ecosystem where the traditional “buy once, play forever” model no longer applies, prompting consumers to demand legal safeguards.
If lawmakers adopt the proposals championed by Stop Killing Games, publishers could be forced to allocate resources for perpetual server maintenance or open‑source server code—costs that may affect profit margins and pricing strategies. Conversely, a regulatory framework could stimulate the development of standardized preservation tools, benefiting both developers and archivists. Watch for the outcome of California’s bill, the European Commission’s next steps, and any corporate responses from Ubisoft, Sony, and other major publishers, as these will indicate whether the industry will adapt voluntarily or be compelled by law.
Key Takeaways
The Stop Killing Games campaign, launched after Ubisoft shut down The Crew’s servers, has gathered millions of petition signatures demanding legal guarantees for game preservation.
The movement has already prompted a parliamentary debate in Europe and a proposed preservation bill in California.
Sony’s cessation of new PlayStation disc production intensifies the debate over long‑term access to both digital and physical games.
Future industry practices will hinge on how quickly legislators act on the campaign’s proposals and how publishers respond to potential mandatory server‑maintenance obligations.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by Ars Technica. Here is a short excerpt for context:
Our discussion takes place live on August 11 at 2:30 pm ET.Read the original at Ars Technica
