The UK Government Shoots Down ‘Stop Killing Games’ Campaign in Official Debate

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The UK government recently discussed the Stop Killing Games campaign, but it doesn’t appear any changes will be made at this time.

Stop Killing Games is a campaign fighting for players’ rights. It advocates for ways to continue enjoying online games even after they’re officially shut down and removed from access.

This feature allows users to still play games they’ve already purchased, even if they’re temporarily unable to access them.

The campaign gained widespread support and collected enough signatures to require the government to discuss the issue.

On November 3rd, 2025, a parliamentary debate took place with many MPs supporting Stop Killing Games. They voiced worries about protecting video game history, ensuring players truly own their digital purchases, and recognizing the UK’s significant role in the gaming industry.

I’ve been following this issue, and even though a lot of MPs have made some really good points, it’s frustrating to see the government still isn’t changing its position. It feels like they’re not listening!

The UK government is hesitant to require online games to have end-of-life plans, fearing it could lead to increased development costs and complications from the advocacy group, Stop Killing Games. Essentially, they believe it could create more problems than it solves.

Online video games aren’t just one-time purchases; they’re constantly evolving services that need ongoing investment for years to come. Developing and maintaining these games is increasingly complex and expensive – the biggest ones now cost more than a major movie. This makes it difficult to decide what to do when a game’s official support ends, and can lead to problems for both players and the companies that make the games.

The government also clarified that people don’t actually buy games, but rather purchase a license to play them. However, they emphasized that companies need to be upfront about what customers are getting for their money.

The discussion touched on consumer rights and ownership. UK law demands that information given to consumers is both clear and accurate. The Government believes the current laws are effective, but suggests companies could improve how they communicate with customers. Specifically, in situations where projects are cancelled or games are removed from sale shortly after release, it’s crucial that consumers receive clear and prompt information.

Even though the government firmly rejected the proposal, it’s remarkable that Stop Killing Games has progressed this far.

It’s definitely sparked a lot of discussion and brought attention to current problems, with games like The Crew and ANTHEM often cited as examples of why this is such an important topic.

Where do you fall on all this? Discuss in the comments section below.

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2025-11-10 15:07