Ross Scott Discusses Game Preservation and "Stop Killing Games" Movement

Game Preservation Discussion

Ross Scott, the founder of the "Stop Killing Games" campaign, engaged in a live discussion with Ars Technica on August 11. The conversation focused on the challenges of video game preservation and the movement's efforts to address these issues. The discussion was part of the Ars Live series and was hosted by Ars' Senior Gaming Editor, Kyle Orland.

Origins of the Movement

The "Stop Killing Games" movement was founded by Ross Scott in 2024. This initiative began after Ubisoft made the decision to shut down the servers for the game The Crew. Scott noted that the issue of long-term game access had been "intolerable a decade and a half ago" and that he felt compelled to organize the movement when no one else did.

Advocacy for Perpetual Access

The campaign advocates for legislative action to guarantee perpetual access to video games that consumers have purchased. This includes options such as continued centralized server support from publishers or the ability for players to maintain their own servers. The movement has gathered millions of signatures on government petitions, leading to a parliamentary debate and a response from the European Commission.

The Problem of Delisted Games

A core concern highlighted by the movement is the common scenario where games become unplayable after online servers are shut down, or when critically acclaimed digital titles are delisted and can no longer be purchased or downloaded. Scott emphasized that the practice of shutting down game access with minimal notice would be considered unacceptable in other consumer goods and services.

Developer Considerations

During the discussion, Scott suggested that planning for server transitions from the initial development stages could help minimize costs for developers. This proactive approach could address the long-term playability of games, even if their online components are eventually discontinued.