In recent years, more and more video games have been shut down or delisted, even after being sold as complete products. Some become unplayable when online servers are turned off, while others simply disappear from digital storefronts. This growing trend not only harms players but also threatens the long-term preservation of video games as a cultural medium.
That’s why the Stop Killing Games campaign was launched. A public call for lawmakers to step in and protect games from being prematurely erased.
What’s happening?
In early 2024, Ubisoft shut down The Crew completely. Not just its online features, but the entire game. Even if you bought it, you can no longer play it in any form. This isn’t an isolated case: games are routinely pulled from stores, servers shut down, and access revoked, all without viable alternatives or refunds.
The campaign’s goal is simple: if a game was sold, it should remain playable. Even if that means allowing offline access or enabling community-run servers after official support ends.
A legal call to action
The Stop Killing Games initiative is mainly aimed at pushing for legislation in the European Union and the United Kingdom to ensure consumers have ongoing access to games they’ve paid for. But this is a global issue, and anyone around the world can support it by spreading awareness and signing the petition.
Why it matters, even for cloud gaming users
At Cloud Dosage, we’re big believers in the future of cloud gaming. But we also recognize a key challenge: if a game only exists on a remote server, it can disappear overnight.
That’s why cloud gaming must be held to high standards. When platforms shut down or lose the rights to a game, they should either:
- Offer full refunds (as Google Stadia commendably did), or
- Provide an alternative download method, if technically feasible.
Without one of these two options, players are left with nothing. A practice that’s both unethical and damaging to trust in digital platforms.
How you can help
The easiest and most important step: visit www.stopkillinggames.com to learn how to sign the petition. You can also share the campaign using the hashtag #StopKillingGames.
Games are more than just entertainment. They’re culture, history, and stories worth preserving. Whether you’re a collector, a cloud gamer, or someone who just wants to replay a favorite title in 10 years, we all benefit from a world where digital games don’t just vanish.
