The “Save Video Games” initiative, formally known as the European Citizens’ Initiative against Game Destruction, has reached a crucial juncture. This campaign, designed to urge EU regulators to examine the increasing practice of game companies shutting down online game servers, effectively rendering purchased titles unplayable, recently concluded its signature-gathering phase. The effort appears to have surpassed the required number of supporters. Now, the Stop Killing Games movement, a strong advocate for this type of consumer protection, is awaiting the official response and any resulting legislative actions.
Prominent YouTuber Ross Scott, a leading voice in the global movement advocating for consumer rights related to these online server closures, is reflecting on the progress made thus far. While looking forward to a rest, Scott acknowledges the need to monitor the various initiatives underway by Stop Killing Games and related advocacy groups.
In a recent “wrap-up” video shared on his Accursed Farms channel, Scott explained, “With the signature collection completed, the campaign is entering a phase that requires expertise in areas like lobbying and political maneuvering.” He added, “Frankly, this is not my area of strength. However, political professionals involved in the official EU petition are providing guidance. I am not even fully aware of the details of their strategies.”
Consequently, a significant portion of the campaign now involves a period of waiting. However, Scott continues to encourage supporters to remain engaged by contacting Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to express their concerns, and by assisting the initiative’s organizers in connecting with relevant EU administrative personnel.
Reviewing the campaign’s strategies and accomplishments to date, Scott believes the organizers have successfully “maximized our chances to address the problem of games being destroyed across multiple fronts.” While acknowledging challenges encountered in countries such as the USA and Brazil, Scott maintains that the campaign has “performed as effectively as possible, considering the circumstances.”
The YouTuber highlighted the importance of ongoing efforts in key regions. “I see France, Germany, Australia, and the EU as particularly crucial areas in this fight.” The actions and responses from regulatory bodies are awaited in those locations. “If a major market prohibits game destruction, that will represent a significant win for this globally. I don’t see many new opportunities on the horizon. We will either win in at least one of these major markets, or if all of them fail, this campaign is over.”
Given the current status of the campaign, Scott plans to take a “standby break” from his voluntary advocacy work. He will only resume active involvement if significant developments arise that would benefit from his input.
“While some people have only recently discovered Stop Killing Games, I’ve been deeply involved for over a year and a half, following a period when I was already lacking rest,” the YouTuber shared. He added that, ironically, he hasn’t “had time to play a game for almost two months.” The hope is that he can take a break while the world watches to see how the various campaign efforts play out.