[mrki444]

MEPs have supported the European Citizens' Initiative "Stop the destruction of video games" or "Stop Killing games" and called on the European Commission to propose a legislative framework to ensure that gamers are no longer suddenly and prematurely denied access to their purchased product.

For a European Citizens' Initiative to be valid, it is necessary to collect at least one million signatures and meet the minimum signature threshold in at least seven Member States.

The initiative's organisers warn that an increasing number of publishers are selling video games that require an internet connection to the publisher in order to function. The problem arises when publishers, as soon as they stop supporting such a game, often break the connection necessary for the game to function, take measures to ensure that users can no longer play the game.


Representatives of the initiative point out that such a practice "deprives European citizens of their property by denying them access to the product they bought at an unpredictable and arbitrary moment after purchase" and they want to correct this with this initiative to ensure that games, once they go "offline", can continue to be played in some form.

MEPs called on the Commission to respond positively to the request of the initiative, stressing that this is a matter of consumer protection in the digital environment.

[monster_masterpiece]

Agressive rules

[Netherrealmer]

It's really annoying when a video game doesn't really need an internet connection, as in its mechanics do not need internet at all because it's not an online game, but somehow, they keep forcing internet because they want to add advertisement to the game.

[eldavis]

Those ads in game can be very annoying, makes gameplay less fun.

[ptrikha21]

There ought to be a "choice".
Denying Games because of lack of Internet is not good !

[mrki444]

At least they should give warranty how long game will be able play. Also stop selling few years before support end.

[mrki444]

Those ads in game can be very annoying, makes gameplay less fun.

This is not about ads in game. Most games now have mark 'Contain ads' so users can decide will they install or not. This is about games it self. You buy a game and in next two months game servers are closed and you can't play it anymore.

[mrki444]

The European Commission is obliged to respond to the European Citizens' Initiative by July 27th of this year and explain whether or not it will propose a new law or regulation on the matter.

[Paradise]

It's really annoying when a video game doesn't really need an internet connection, as in its mechanics do not need internet at all because it's not an online game, but somehow, they keep forcing internet because they want to add advertisement to the game.

I get that frustration. It feels unfair when offline games require internet just for ads or data collection. It drains battery, uses data, and breaks the experience. Developers push it for revenue, but it ruins trust for players who just want to play without interruptions.

[mrki444]

Do you know same can happend with other IoT devices? You buy smart cleaner robot. It can require internet connection and after a year manufacturer disable server and functional robot stops working.

[mrki444]

Now some 3D printers are also being targeted because they cannot work unless they are connected to the internet, and America is preparing laws that 3D printers and CNC machines must be strictly regulated so that someone does not produce weapons at home. So it will be illegal to own a 3D printer or CNC machine that is not connected to the internet because then the government does not know what you are producing at home.

Most people make toys, decorative items or small items, but that will no longer be possible.

[Netherrealmer]

I think internet connection should only be for multiplayer games and online games, and single-player games should not require internet.