The Stop Killing Games campaign will set up NGOs in the EU and US

February 22, 2026 - 07:14

The Stop Killing Games campaign, a prominent player advocacy movement, is taking a significant step toward formalizing its structure by establishing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the European Union and the United States. This strategic expansion aims to provide a permanent, legally recognized footing for its efforts to challenge the industry practice of rendering purchased games unplayable.

These newly formed entities will be tasked with sustained, "long-term counter lobbying" directed at policymakers and legislative bodies. Their core mission is to advocate for legal changes that recognize consumer rights in the digital era, potentially pushing for regulations that ensure software functionality persists even after official support ends.

Beyond lobbying, the NGOs will also function as dedicated watchdogs, monitoring publisher actions and holding companies accountable for decisions that effectively remove access to purchased content. Campaign organizers argue that when a game becomes permanently inaccessible, it represents a breach of consumer trust and a form of planned obsolescence for digital products. This institutional shift marks a move from grassroots online mobilization to a structured, enduring effort to enact tangible change within the video game industry's commercial practices.