EU Commission Declines to Legislate on 'Stop Killing Games' Campaign

The EU Commission has officially ruled on the Stop Killing Games campaign, confirming it will not pursue new legislation to prevent game publishers from revoking access to online-only titles. In a press release issued June 16, 2026, the Commission stated that it cannot mandate that games remain playable after their commercial lifecycle ends, noting that current EU copyright and intellectual property laws grant rights holders exclusive control over their creations.

Instead of pursuing legal mandates, the Commission plans to facilitate meetings between industry representatives and consumer groups to develop a non-binding "code of conduct" regarding the end-of-life management of video games. They also intend to launch an awareness campaign focused on consumer rights.

Moving Forward Without the Commission

Ross Scott, the founder of the Stop Killing Games movement, had anticipated this outcome. In a video released just days before the decision, Scott expressed concerns that the Commission would likely opt for a non-binding communication rather than concrete legislative action. Despite the setback, he insists the movement is not deterred.

"The Commission's decision doesn't really matter," Scott said. The campaign is now pivoting its efforts toward the European Parliament, specifically aiming to amend the existing Digital Fairness Act. Scott noted that the movement has already secured significant support, including an inquiry call for legislative action signed by 45 members of the European Parliament.

"We have made serious inroads in parliament... we have majority support on this issue. This means we're in a position to pass legislation on this even without the Commission's blessing."

The Future of the Campaign

While the prospect of waiting on further legislative action may prove frustrating for those who have supported the cause since its inception in 2024, organizers remain optimistic. Scott believes the campaign remains on a positive trajectory in both the EU and California, suggesting that their current positioning is strong enough to bypass the need for a formal recommendation from the Commission.

The movement, which gained momentum following the shutdown of Ubisoft’s The Crew, has previously raised concerns regarding transparency, pointing to an "invitation-only" meeting between Ubisoft and the EU Commission as a point of contention. As the campaign transitions to a new phase, organizers maintain that the path toward legal reform for game preservation is still open.