EU Commission declines new Stop Killing Games law, backs voluntary industry guidelines instead

The European Commission has declined to introduce new laws mandating that game publishers keep titles playable after discontinuing support, instead favoring voluntary industry guidelines. The decision comes amid ongoing controversy over Ubisoft’s shutdown of *The Crew*, which left players without access after server closures, fueling a broader discussion on digital ownership and consumer rights. The Commission cited intellectual property laws and existing consumer protections as reasons for avoiding binding legislation, stating that current rights may already encourage longer support periods. The Commission’s press release emphasized that copyright holders retain exclusive rights over their works, making legal obligations to maintain playability difficult to enforce. It also noted that existing consumer laws could be strengthened to address concerns, such as misleading claims about game lifespans or unfair contract terms. The dispute over *The Crew* escalated when French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir filed a lawsuit, alleging Ubisoft misled players about the game’s lifespan and removed ownership rights through contractual terms. Ubisoft defended its decision, arguing players purchased a license, not ownership. Instead of new legislation, the Commission will collaborate with consumer organizations and industry representatives to develop a voluntary code of conduct for managing games at the end of their commercial life. The initiative aims to improve transparency and support but will lack binding requirements or enforcement mechanisms. The Commission also plans to raise awareness of existing consumer rights to push companies toward better practices. Stop Killing Games founder Ross Scott had anticipated a limited response from the Commission, though the campaign continues to advocate for stronger protections. The voluntary approach may satisfy some industry concerns but leaves unresolved the core issue of digital ownership and player access after a game’s discontinuation. The Commission’s strategy focuses on enforcement of current laws rather than creating new ones, leaving the future of player rights uncertain without legislative intervention.