Video Games Europe, a prominent lobbying group comprising some of the world’s leading publishers, has taken a stance that appears to contradict the sentiments of the gaming community regarding the Stop Killing Games initiative. This initiative advocates for the preservation of video games, urging developers to consider more sustainable practices.
The Stop Killing Games petition recently achieved a significant milestone, garnering 1 million signatures, despite initial skepticism about its potential impact on European lawmakers. In light of this achievement, Video Games Europe felt compelled to address the petition as the foremost lobby in the European gaming landscape.
Although their statement begins by recognizing the commitment of gamers who wish to see games continue to thrive, Video Games Europe subsequently dismisses the core principles of the Stop Killing Games initiative. They argue that implementing the initiative’s demands could lead to “prohibitively expensive” game development.
Video Games Europe’s Counterarguments to Stop Killing Games
In recent years, there has been growing concern among gamers about the permanence of digital titles, especially following the discontinuation of games like Anthem, which are no longer accessible. Advocates for the initiative argue that developers should strive to create games that can be played indefinitely, either through offline modes or provisions for community-maintained versions once official support ends.
However, Video Games Europe firmly opposes these ideas. They state, “The decision to discontinue online services is multi-faceted, never taken lightly, and must remain an option for companies when an online experience is deemed commercially unviable. Though disappointing for players, such decisions are communicated with fair notice in accordance with local consumer protection laws, ” as per their official statement.
EA’s shutdown of Anthem renders the game unplayable permanently.
Moreover, the organization argues that private servers may not serve as a feasible alternative for players. They highlight concerns over data security and the lack of protections against illegal content and unsafe community interactions, which could expose rights holders to liability. Additionally, they note that many games are crafted with online dependency as a core feature; enforcing the proposed changes could limit developers’ creative freedom and lead to escalating production costs.
This perspective is mirrored by some industry voices, including those from Pirate Software, who have publicly criticized the Stop Killing Games movement and echoed the concerns of publishers resistant to incurring additional costs.
The composition of Video Games Europe reflects its influence, as it represents some of the most significant publishers in the industry, including Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Games, Activision, EA, Microsoft, and Square Enix. All these companies have previously shut down game servers, resulting in the loss of access to titles—even for players who purchased them at full price—without offering refunds for in-game transactions or for the games themselves.
Video Games Europe has signaled its intention to actively oppose the proposals outlined in Stop Killing Games’ mission statement, reinforcing the ongoing tension between industry leaders and passionate gamers advocating for preservation.
Leave a Reply