The Stop Killing Games campaign, launched by YouTuber Ross Scott, has grown significantly since it began two years ago following backlash over The Crew being shut down in 2024. The initiative gathered more than 1.3 million signatures on a petition, forcing the issue to be considered by the European Union.
The movement emerged after publisher Ubisoft discontinued the game, prompting criticism from players who argued that purchased titles should remain playable. While the company’s CEO Yves Guillemot emphasized that no product lasts forever, Ubisoft later indicated it would avoid similar situations in the future.
Now, the campaign is entering a new phase. Scott announced that Stop Killing Games is establishing two official non-governmental organizations (NGOs), one based in the European Union and another in the United States.
According to Scott, forming NGOs offers practical advantages for the movement. One key benefit is the ability to engage in long-term lobbying efforts related to game preservation and consumer rights. The campaign is currently hoping that its European Citizens’ Initiative will either pass or be incorporated into upcoming legislation, such as the Digital Fairness Act. If that fails, organizers are exploring the possibility of including their proposals in revisions to the Digital Content Directive.
Scott said the creation of formal organizations also signals that the campaign is not disappearing, even if individual participants step back. The NGOs could maintain a presence in policy discussions and continue advocating for the issue within European institutions. They may also expand watchdog efforts, such as providing resources that help players report game shutdowns to consumer protection agencies.
Although Scott has previously admitted feeling worn down by the long-running effort, he will remain involved while handing operational leadership largely to German political strategist Moritz Katzner, who has worked with the campaign since 2025. Scott praised Katzner’s work in navigating the political side of the movement and credited him with advancing its influence.
Katzner will lead the European NGO and also advise the organization being formed in the United States. Scott acknowledged that he is uncertain how much change these groups can bring about, particularly in the US market, but said he hopes to be proven wrong and believes the effort could still raise awareness.
He also argued that the industry’s resistance to basic end-of-life plans for games is disproportionate. While companies often lobby heavily against regulations targeting monetization practices, Scott said implementing simple measures to keep games functional after support ends would be relatively inexpensive and could improve relationships with players.
Looking ahead, Scott suggested that the NGOs may eventually expand beyond Europe and the United States. Early discussions reportedly include the possibility of building a broader global network to support the Stop Killing Games initiative in additional regions.
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