The European Commission will not introduce new laws to force game publishers to keep online titles playable after support ends. The decision follows a citizens' initiative that gathered 1.3 million signatures demanding action. Instead of legislation, the Commission plans to open talks with consumers and industry groups.
Commission chooses dialogue over legislation
The 'Stop Destroying Videogames' campaign, officially named the European Citizens Initiative, aimed to require publishers to maintain online functionality or release games in a playable state before shutting down servers. The initiative collected the required signatures but fell short of triggering a legislative response.
According to the Commission's official response, no new legislation will be proposed. The agency will instead initiate exchanges with consumers and industry to improve the management of videogames' end-of-life. The decision was announced on June 16, 2026.
The Commission's approach focuses on voluntary cooperation rather than binding rules. The outcome means publishers face no new legal obligations to preserve online games in the EU. The initiative's supporters may need to pursue other avenues to achieve their goals.
Source: DEXERTO
