EU gamers petition Archives

A significant movement is gaining traction among European gamers, who are urging the European Union to enforce legislation that ensures video games remain playable even after official support ends. This initiative seeks to prevent game developers and publishers from disabling live-service titles post-release, advocating for consumer rights in the digital age. Goals of the Petition The petition calls for a legal requirement that games sold to consumers must remain in a "reasonably functional (playable) state" even after official support is withdrawn. The initiative does not demand indefinite support for all live-service games, recognizing the impracticality of such a request. Instead, it proposes that publishers should provide the necessary means for communities to maintain access to these games. This could include tools for hosting private servers or other mechanisms that enable gameplay without the publisher's ongoing involvement. Community Support and Legal Framework The petition has garnered significant support, with nearly 50,000 signatures from gamers across all 27 EU member states. The initiative cites several European Union laws to bolster its case. Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, which protects individuals from being deprived of their possessions, is a key argument. The petition argues that making a game unplayable after purchase deprives consumers of their property without fair compensation. Additionally, the petition references Article 169 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which mandates the EU to protect consumer interests, and Article 12, which requires consumer protection to be integrated into Union policies and activities. Significance of the Petition The petition emphasizes that it is not seeking to impose unreasonable burdens on publishers and developers. Instead, it aims to ensure that games remain accessible to those who have purchased them, even if official support ceases. By achieving this, the petitioners hope to protect consumer rights and maintain the value of digital purchases. Threshold for Consideration For the European Commission to consider the petition, it must reach a threshold of one million signatures across at least seven EU member states, proportional to their populations. The current momentum suggests strong support within the gaming community, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of live-service game shutdowns. Final Thoughts The petition initiated by European gamers to prevent the shutdown of live-service games highlights a critical issue in the digital age—consumer rights in the face of evolving technology and business practices. By advocating for legislation that ensures games remain playable after official support ends, the petitioners aim to protect the investments of gamers and uphold the value of their digital purchases. As the petition gains more support, it underscores the importance of balancing corporate practices with consumer protection in the gaming industry. Also Read:

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EU gamers petition

EU Gamers Petition to Stop Shutdown of Live Service Games