In a dramatic twist for the burgeoning movement to preserve online video games, the European Citizens’ Initiative known as “Stop Destroying Videogames” (a separate campaign associated with “Stop Killing Games”) has been hit with an anonymous transparency complaint in the EU.
A screenshot from The Crew (2016), Ivory Tower
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This development comes just as the petition surpassed 1.4 million signatures, edging closer to potential legislative action in the European Union. The complaint, relayed by the European Commission, accuses the initiative’s organizers of violating EU transparency rules by allegedly concealing funding sources and providing a false “no funding” declaration.
Background on the Stop Killing Games Campaign
The “Stop Killing Games” movement, spearheaded by YouTuber Ross Scott of the channel Accursed Farms, emerged in April 2024 in response to Ubisoft’s shutdown of the online-only racing game The Crew.
Scott and supporters argue that publishers should not be allowed to render purchased games unplayable by shutting down servers without providing alternatives, such as offline modes or private server support. The campaign highlights a growing concern in the gaming community: many modern titles, especially those requiring constant internet connections, are sold as permanent purchases but treated as revocable licenses.
A screenshot from The Crew (2016), Ivory Tower
While the broader “Stop Killing Games” effort includes global petitions and awareness drives, the EU-specific initiative “Stop Destroying Videogames” is a separate entity with its own organizers.
Launched to push for new EU laws mandating end-of-life plans for online games, it requires at least 1 million valid signatures from EU citizens to prompt the European Commission to consider legislative proposals. As of July 22, 2025, the initiative has amassed over 1.4 million signatures, exceeding the threshold and building a buffer for potential invalid entries. The collection period runs until July 31, 2025, after which signatures will be verified.
A screenshot from The Crew Motorfest (2023), Ubisoft Ivory Tower
The campaign has garnered widespread support, including endorsements from notable figures like Minecraft creator Markus Persson (Notch) and European Parliament member Nicolae Ștefănuță. However, it has faced opposition from industry groups, such as Video Games Europe, which argues that such regulations could impose excessive costs and legal risks on developers.
Details of the Transparency Complaint
The controversy erupted on July 21, 2025, when Ross Scott announced in a YouTube video titled “The industry filed false claims against the ‘Stop Killing Games’ initiative” that the EU campaign had received a formal transparency complaint. The anonymous filing, passed on by the European Commission, alleges two main violations: a false declaration of “no funding” on the initiative’s EU listing and “systematic concealment” of major contributions.
PewDiePie throws support behind the Stop Killing Games movement. – YouTube, PewDiePie
At the heart of the complaint is Scott’s personal involvement. The document claims that Scott’s extensive volunteer hours—often described by him as full-time dedication—exceed “any reasonable volunteer threshold” and constitute an in-kind contribution valued at €63,000 to €147,000, based on assumed professional hourly rates.
This, the complaint argues, should have been disclosed as funding, especially given Scott’s public role as the campaign’s figurehead and frequent media portrayals of him as its leader.
A screenshot from Concord (2024), Firewalk Studios
Under EU rules for citizens’ initiatives, organizers must declare any funding sources exceeding €500 per sponsor. The initiative’s page on the official EU site lists no such funding, which the complaint deems misleading. However, EU protocols for handling complaints emphasize investigation and correction rather than immediate penalties. The Commission will request a reasoned response from the organizers and may seek additional information before deciding on any actions.
Ross Scott’s Response and Defense
In his video response, Scott vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as “false claims” and expressing frustration at becoming a “political target.” He clarified that his work is entirely voluntary, with no financial compensation or in-kind payments involved.
Scott emphasized that he holds “no actual authority” over the EU initiative, which has distinct organizers, and that he has not been listed among them. He further noted that the organizers consulted EU representatives in spring 2024 and were assured his assistance complied with regulations.
Scott speculated that the complaint might originate from games industry representatives, pointing to its timing shortly after statements from industry lobby groups opposing the initiative. He cited no concrete evidence but suggested it could be an attempt to “kill the initiative” before it reaches formal review. Despite the setback, Scott remains optimistic, highlighting growing support from European Parliament members and the petition’s momentum.
Current Status and Broader Implications
As of now, the initiative remains active, with signatures continuing to climb toward a final tally before the July 31st deadline. If at least 1 million are validated, the European Commission must respond within six months, potentially leading to new regulations on game preservation. This could set a precedent for consumer rights in digital media, forcing publishers to ensure games remain playable post-support.
A screenshot from Concord (2024), Firewalk Studios
Video Games Europe (an organization with members from nearly every major AAA gaming company) in prior statements has dismissed the initiative as unfeasible, but has not publicly commented on the complaint.
Looking Ahead
This anonymous challenge adds uncertainty to an already contentious campaign, but it also highlights the growing tension between consumers and publishers in the digital age.
A screenshot from The Crew Motorfest (2023), Ubisoft Ivory Tower
As Scott put it, the movement is about ensuring “games don’t die” unnecessarily. With the EU initiative on the cusp of success, the outcome of this investigation could influence not just video games, but broader discussions on digital ownership and corporate responsibility. For now, supporters are urged to continue signing and spreading awareness, as the battle for game preservation presses on.
How do you feel about this EU initiative associated with “Stop Killing Games”? Sound off in the chat and let us know!
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The EU is all about back-handers and bribes. MEPs were literally caught with suitcases of cash. Literally, no really! This happened a few years back. So the EU dictatorship is being hypocritical, here, to say the least. MEPs are utterly corrupt, and on the take. Worse, how can the EU, as a whole, be voted out of its vast political power? It’s a dictatorship, and Europe is being ruined by migration.
Leaving this EU hater activist aside… This time itch.io got hit by creditors thanks to another Collective Shout campaign. So if nothing is done we’ll get screwed by either these payment processors or the game developers/publishers.