What is the "Stop Destroying Videogames" European Citizens’ Initiative?

Patrick_Yu

In recent years, the video game industry has seen exponential growth, captivating billions of players worldwide and generating massive revenues. However, amidst this booming industry, a concerning practice has emerged, one that threatens the rights of consumers and the preservation of digital art forms.  

Enter the Stop Destroying Videogames European Citizens’ Initiative, a movement that seeks to protect European gamers from losing access to the games they have purchased. This initiative aims to ensure that games remain playable even after official support ends. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this initiative, explore its motivations, and understand its significance in safeguarding consumer rights. 

What is an EU Initiative? 

An EU initiative is a formal proposal or action plan put forward within the framework of the European Union, aimed at addressing specific issues or achieving particular goals that impact member states. These initiatives can be proposed by various entities, including EU institutions like the European Commission, or by organized groups of citizens through mechanisms such as the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI). The purpose of an EU initiative is to influence EU policy, prompt legislative action, or bring about changes in existing regulations to better serve the interests of EU citizens. 

For an initiative to be considered by the European Commission under the ECI framework, it must gather at least one million signatures from EU citizens, coming from a significant number of member states. This process allows EU citizens to have a direct hand in shaping policies that affect their lives, reinforcing democratic engagement within the Union. Once submitted, the European Commission is obligated to examine the initiative and decide what, if any, action should be taken.  

What is the Stop Destroying Videogames movement? 

The Stop Destroying Videogames movement is a citizen-led initiative aimed at preventing video game publishers from remotely disabling games after they have been sold to consumers. Spearheaded by a group of concerned individuals across various EU countries, this initiative calls for legislative action to ensure that video games remain functional even after official support from the publishers has ended. 

The movement is organized by a dedicated team, including Daniel Ondruska from Germany, who acts as the representative, and Aleksej Vjalicin as his substitute. Alongside them, a group of passionate members, including Zoltan Karoly Konecsin, Egert Nurmsalu, Eduardo Ramon Coscolin, and others, work to rally support and bring attention to this issue. 

The initiative officially registered on 06/19/2024, began collecting signatures on 07/31/2024, and has a deadline of 07/31/2025 to gather the required one million signatures across the EU. As of now, the initiative has already amassed over 300,000 signatures, reflecting significant support from EU citizens. 

The core objective of the initiative is to require publishers to leave games in a playable state when discontinuing support. This involves prohibiting the remote disabling of games and ensuring that reasonable means are provided for these games to function independently of the publisher's servers. The movement emphasizes that this does not seek to acquire ownership or intellectual property rights from the publishers but aims to protect consumers from losing access to their purchased games due to publisher decisions. 

The movement leverages various articles from the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) to justify its cause. By invoking these legal frameworks, the initiative underscores the infringement on consumer rights and the need for high levels of consumer protection, urging the EU to take corrective action against these detrimental practices in the gaming industry. 

Why are EU Citizens demanding this? 

The demand for the Stop Destroying Videogames initiative arises from a fundamental issue of consumer rights and digital preservation. EU citizens are increasingly frustrated by the practices of some video game publishers who, after selling their games, retain the power to render them unplayable by severing online connections or disabling necessary servers. This practice not only deprives gamers of their purchases but also undermines the concept of ownership in the digital age. 

For many, video games are not just entertainment but a form of artistic and cultural expression, akin to music or films. When publishers destroy or disable games, it represents a loss of unique creative works and erases digital history. This initiative is a call to safeguard the rights of consumers and preserve the integrity of digital art forms. By ensuring that games remain functional, even after official support ends, EU citizens are advocating for a fairer, more sustainable approach to digital ownership. 

Examples of consumer-unfriendly practices by video game companies 

The grievances against video game companies are numerous and well-documented. One notable example is the abrupt discontinuation of online services for games like The Matrix Online and Star Wars: Galaxies. These games, which required an online connection to function, were effectively rendered unplayable once the publishers decided to shut down their servers. Players who had invested time, money, and emotional energy into these games were left with nothing but unusable software.

Another example is the case of Electronic Arts (EA) and their sports franchises like FIFA and Madden. EA has been known to shut down online services for older versions of these games, forcing players to buy newer versions if they wish to continue playing online. This practice not only compels continuous spending but also disrupts communities that form around specific game versions. 

Moreover, the phenomenon of "always-online" DRM (Digital Rights Management) has exacerbated the issue. Games such as SimCity (2013) and Diablo III faced significant backlash upon release due to their always-online requirement, which led to widespread problems when servers were down or discontinued. These examples highlight the need for regulatory measures to protect consumers from these practices. 

Who can support this initiative? 

Support for the Stop Destroying Videogames initiative is open to all EU citizens who believe in the principles of fair consumer rights and digital preservation. Gamers, digital rights activists, and anyone concerned with maintaining the integrity of digital ownership can lend their support. The initiative also invites support from lawmakers and consumer protection organizations within the EU, who can play a crucial role in advocating for and implementing the necessary legislative changes. 

Additionally, industry professionals, including game developers and publishers who value consumer rights and sustainable business practices, can also back this initiative. By promoting a fairer approach to game ownership, these stakeholders can help build a more trustworthy and resilient gaming industry. 

Conclusion 

The Stop Destroying Videogames EU initiative is a crucial movement aimed at protecting consumer rights and preserving digital art forms within the European Union. As the gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to address the problematic practices that undermine the concept of digital ownership and consumer trust. By advocating for legislative changes and raising awareness about these issues, EU citizens are paving the way for a fairer, more sustainable approach to digital consumption. 

With a deadline of 07/31/2025, the initiative has already garnered over 300,000 signatures, reflecting widespread concern and support from EU citizens. Ultimately, the Stop Destroying Videogames initiative represents a broader call for fairness in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of preserving digital creations and respecting the rights of consumers worldwide.

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