The Stop Killing Games movement, spearheaded by YouTuber Ross Scott (Accursed Farms), continues to make waves as it challenges the gaming industry’s practice of shutting down live-service titles without offering players any recourse. Launched in April 2024, the campaign has evolved from a passionate plea for game preservation into a full-blown digital debate, drawing attention from creators, consumers, and even policymakers across Europe and beyond.
Recent months have seen the movement’s focus sharpen on legal avenues, with petitions circulating in the UK and the European Union aiming to force publishers to provide offline versions or alternative solutions when online games go dark. As of late June 2025, the EU Citizens’ Initiative is nearing its final deadline, while the UK petition is set to close in mid-July. Despite impressive grassroots support—over 450,000 signatures and counting—the movement faces significant hurdles, including vocal opposition from industry insiders like Jason Thor Hall (Pirate Software), who argue about the practical and economic realities of indefinite game support.
Key Developments in the Stop Killing Games Movement
At its core, Stop Killing Games is a consumer rights campaign. Ross Scott and his supporters argue that when publishers sell games dependent on online servers and then shut those servers down, they are effectively selling a product with an undisclosed expiration date. This practice, often described as “planned obsolescence,” not only frustrates players but also erases important pieces of gaming history.
In the past year, the movement has escalated complaints to consumer agencies in France, Germany, and Australia. These efforts have led to increased scrutiny of publisher practices and have put the issue on the radar of regulatory bodies. The campaign’s website details ongoing actions and lists the steps taken to date, including legal challenges and public awareness drives.
Despite the uphill battle, the movement has succeeded in sparking a broader conversation about digital ownership and consumer protection. The argument is simple: if you buy a game, you should be able to play it indefinitely—or at least be clearly informed about its lifespan from the start.
Creator Feuds and Community Response
The Stop Killing Games movement has not been without controversy. A notable clash emerged between Ross Scott and Twitch streamer/indie developer Pirate Software. In a widely shared video, Pirate Software criticized the movement, questioning its feasibility and highlighting the financial and technical challenges publishers face in maintaining legacy games. This debate has divided the gaming community, with some rallying behind Scott’s call for preservation and others siding with industry pragmatism.
Online discussions, especially on platforms like Reddit and YouTube, reflect this split. Many gamers express frustration at the lack of transparency from publishers but are also wary of unrealistic demands. The movement’s grassroots nature has led to both passionate advocacy and occasional backlash, as supporters spam forums and social media with petitions and calls to action.
Despite these challenges, the movement has demonstrated the power of community mobilization. Even as the campaign’s leader, Ross Scott, acknowledges the difficulty of sustaining momentum—citing personal and financial strain—he remains hopeful that future efforts, with better coordination and broader outreach, could achieve even greater impact.
What’s Next for Stop Killing Games?
With the EU Citizens’ Initiative deadline looming on July 3 and the UK petition closing on July 14, the movement is at a critical juncture. Success in Europe could set a precedent for other regions, forcing publishers to rethink how they handle end-of-life support for online games.
The movement’s supporters are calling for more than just petitions. They want concrete legal changes that ensure games remain playable or provide clear expiration dates at the point of sale. The ultimate goal is to shift industry norms and protect consumer rights in an era where digital purchases are increasingly ephemeral.
Key Point Summary
- Stop Killing Games advocates for game preservation and consumer rights.
- The movement challenges publishers who shut down online games without warning or offline alternatives.
- Over 450,000 signatures have been collected for EU and UK petitions.
- Ross Scott (Accursed Farms) leads the campaign, facing opposition from industry voices like Pirate Software.
- Complaints have been lodged with consumer agencies in France, Germany, and Australia.
- The movement is nearing critical deadlines for legal action in Europe.
- Community response is mixed, with strong support but also skepticism about feasibility.
- The campaign has sparked a broader debate about digital ownership and transparency.
Engaging the Community and Looking Ahead
As the deadlines approach, supporters are encouraged to sign the petitions and share the message across social media platforms. The movement’s success so far is a testament to the power of collective action, but the fight is far from over. Whether through legal reform or industry self-regulation, the Stop Killing Games movement has already changed the conversation—and the next steps could shape the future of digital game ownership for years to come.
Join the conversation and take action—make your voice heard before the petitions close next month!