EU Parliament hears call to end 'deliberate destruction' of video games

A growing movement is challenging the digital practice of "deliberately destroying" video games, arguing it violates consumer rights. The European Citizens' Initiative "Stop destroying videogames" presented its case to the European Parliament, highlighting how major distributors deactivate games remotely after they stop providing support, rendering them useless for purchasers. The group seeks a clear legal framework guaranteeing the "infinite" lifespan of games, tools for community preservation, or fair compensation.

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When a company stops supporting a game that people have already bought and paid for, it must leave it in working condition. We demand that what we paid for cannot be intentionally destroyed. There is a clear need for new European legislation.

Moritz Katzner, the initiative's German director, stated, "When a company stops supporting a game that people have already bought and paid for, it must leave it in working condition. We demand that what we paid for cannot be intentionally destroyed. There is a clear need for new European legislation." The initiative suggests amending the EU's digital justice law or adding this practice to the 1993 directive on unfair terms. If companies cease server support, users should be legally permitted to "resurrect" the game without fear of prosecution, with full refunds as a last resort.

Alberto Hidalgo, the initiative's legal counsel, emphasized that this harmful practice stems from the "power position" of platforms. These platforms draft contract terms as they see fit, leaving consumers with no choice but to accept or be excluded from the digital market. Hidalgo noted that legislation lags behind technological advancements, as games are now almost exclusively digital and entirely dependent on automatic disconnection.

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power position

The European Commission is expected to present its official proposal on June 16, 2026. However, initiative organizers fear Brussels may opt for non-legislative measures, such as merely requiring companies to inform consumers in advance about upcoming closures, which they deem insufficient. Despite concerns, representatives welcomed parliamentary support and statements from European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who acknowledged the issue's complexity and stressed consumers' "right to enjoy the services they have paid for."

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right to enjoy the services they have paid for