The world of online gaming has become a battleground for consumer rights, with a growing movement led by gamers and content creators like Ross Scott, also known as Accursed Farms, taking on the industry giants. The issue at hand is a simple yet profound one: who owns the games we buy?
The Rise of Stop Killing Games
The Stop Killing Games campaign was born out of frustration and a desire to protect consumer rights in the digital age. Scott, an American YouTuber, initiated this movement in 2024 after Ubisoft's announcement to shut down the online-only racing game, The Crew. With nearly 1.3 million signatures, the campaign has gained significant traction, triggering a public hearing in the European Parliament.
A Personal Battle
For gamers like Chemicalflood, The Crew was more than just a game. It was an escape, a shared experience with his children, and a part of his adult life. The sudden shutdown left a bitter taste, not because Ubisoft ended support, but because players were completely cut off from a game they had invested time and money into.
The Industry's Response
The gaming industry has pushed back, arguing that keeping servers running indefinitely for online-only games could be prohibitively expensive. However, Scott and his team propose a more responsible approach, suggesting that publishers should consider end-of-life plans, such as updating games to work offline or providing software to allow players to continue running the game.
The Rise of Live-Service Games
The issue has become more prevalent with the rise of live-service games, which are heavily reliant on online interaction and communities. As Joost van Dreunen, a professor of games business, points out, these games are more akin to digital communities than consumable experiences. However, sustaining these communities becomes challenging in a market dominated by long-running successes, often leading to server shutdowns and disappointed players.
The Campaign's Reach
The Stop Killing Games campaign has gained momentum on multiple fronts. In France, a consumer group has launched legal action against Ubisoft, arguing that players were misled about the permanence of their purchases. Meanwhile, in the UK, a parliamentary debate was secured, though ministers have shown no intention of amending consumer law. The campaign has also backed California's proposed Protect Our Games Act, which would ensure games remain playable or offer refunds after online support ends.
A Long Road Ahead
For Ross Scott and his team, the journey has been exhausting, but their determination to see this through is unwavering. While the campaign continues to spark debates, the potential for significant change in consumer rights remains a long-term goal, one that could take years to achieve.
