What began as a simmering frustration within the gaming community has erupted into a stunning victory for the Stop Killing Games initiative. Launched in April 2024 by developer Ross Scott, the movement advocates for guaranteed offline playability for purchased games, even after official servers are shut down. The initiative was sparked by the controversial delisting of “The Crew,” a racing game with a substantial single-player component rendered unplayable due to its online-only requirement.
The cornerstone of the Stop Killing Games campaign became a European Citizens Initiative (ECI), a formal mechanism requiring at least one million signatures from EU citizens to compel the European Commission to consider legislation. Early traction was impressive, quickly amassing over 400,000 signatures. Howerver, momentum faltered significantly mid-2025.
The narrative took a dramatic turn when Thor, known online as PirateSoftware, a prominent streamer with a large and dedicated following, publicly criticized the initiative. In a widely circulated stream, Thor dismissed Stop Killing Games as “trash,” actively discouraging his audience from supporting it. Given Thor’s influence within the gaming sphere, this criticism appeared to deal a potentially fatal blow to the movement. Many felt the initiative was doomed. On gaming forums and social media, discussions shifted from optimism to resignation. One user on X.com commented, “Honestly, I thought that was it. Thor has a point, and everyone listens to him.”
Scott remained initially silent. Then, in June 2025, he released a video titled “The End of Stop Killing Games,” a move many interpreted as a concession. However, the video proved to be a carefully constructed rebuttal. Scott methodically addressed what he considered to be misunderstandings and factual inaccuracies perpetuated by Thor. He argued that the core principle of owning the games you buy was being eroded by DRM and online-only practices, a point that resonated with many gamers feeling increasingly shortchanged. He stated that arguments against the ECI often stemmed from a place of misunderstanding. He addressed several misconceptions.
The impact was immediate and powerful.
Other influential content creators, including penguinz0 (Critical Role) and Josh Strife Hayes, voiced their support for Stop Killing Games, amplifying Scott’s message to a broader audience. The online gaming community rallied, fueled by a renewed sense of purpose and a shared frustration over digital ownership.
What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Within ten days of Scott’s video, the European Citizens Initiative reached its target of one million signatures, a surge of over 550,000 votes in a little over a week. The achievement was widely celebrated across social media platforms, with #StopKillingGames trending globally. “It marked a turning point,” said Elena Petrova, a gamer from Bulgaria who actively campaigned for the initiative. “Before that, it felt like we were shouting into the void. After that, we knew we could actually make a difference.”
The success of Stop Killing Games underscores the growing discontent among gamers regarding digital ownership and the impermanence of digitally distributed games. The ECI’s achievement is a significant step towards potentially influencing EU policy and ensuring that consumers have greater control over their purchased games. The fight, however, is far from over. The European Commission is now obligated to consider the initiative and decide whether to propose legislation. This process could take months or even years.
For Ross Scott and the Stop Killing Games movement, this is just the beginning. “We’ve shown that gamers can organize and make their voices heard,” Scott stated in a recent post on his personal website. “Now, we need to keep the pressure on and ensure that the Commission takes our concerns seriously.”
The implications of this victory extend beyond the European Union. It is a signal to the gaming industry as a whole that consumers are increasingly demanding greater control and longevity for their digital purchases. The future of gaming may well depend on how developers respond to this growing demand.
- The Core Issues
- DRM and online-only requirements restrict user access
- Digital distribution raises ownership concerns.
- Delisting games impact single-player access.
- Gaming communities advocate for change.
One Facebook user posted: “Finally! Maybe now companies will stop treating us like renters!”
What’s Next: The European Commission will now review the petition. Gamers will be waiting with bated breath to see if the Commision takes action. This initial impression that gamers are powerless has been shattered; the revised perspective is of a strong powerful movement.