Reconsidering the Stop Killing Games Initiative

The Stop Killing Games initiative has achieved significant milestones in both the UK and EU, with its petition garnering enough signatures to prompt a parliamentary debate in the UK and its Citizens' Initiative likely clearing the bar for examination by the European Commission. The latter milestone is particularly important, as European Citizens' Initiatives require a million verified signatures and are taken seriously by the European Commission. With over 1.4 million signatures gathered, it is likely that Stop Killing Games has met the requirements, despite some signatures potentially being invalid. The European Commission will conduct an investigation, including meetings with initiative organizers and stakeholders, a public hearing, and a formal response. While there is no guarantee of action, the Commission must file a report and explain its reasoning if it chooses not to act. The industry's response to Stop Killing Games has been dismissive, with some lip service to consumer satisfaction and claims of impossibility. However, the reality of the European Commission's involvement has rattled the industry, and recent responses have been more conciliatory, with more emphasis on the campaign's goals. At its core, the initiative seeks an end-of-life plan for online games, outlining which aspects can continue without support and providing frameworks for players to enjoy the game they paid for. This is not a demand for perpetual support, but rather a reasonable request for transparency and planning. The EU's regulatory efforts have been pro-consumer, and the industry's bad-faith arguments may not be effective. A set of industry codes and standards for handling end-of-life would be a good starting point, and presenting the industry as responsible and pro-consumer could mitigate the risk of regulation. Some games could be easily retrofitted for post-shutdown functionality, and the industry could adopt reasonable compromises, such as shutting down matchmaking but allowing players to continue playing by direct invitation. While some proposed solutions may not be realistic as regulations, the industry could consider making source code for old games available, which would be seen as a positive move. The European Commission investigation is now likely, and the industry will have a chance to represent itself and lobby for its preferred outcome. Misrepresenting the Citizens' Initiative's positions would be a poor strategy, and the industry should focus on showing its commitment to consumer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.