Stop Destroying Videogames” Initiative Reaches Brussels with 1.29 Million Signatures
More than 1.29 million EU citizens call for digital ownership protections as the “Stop Destroying Videogames” initiative is submitted to the European Commission.
MEP Markéta Gregorová and Pirate Party representatives join initiative organizers in Brussels.
Brussels, Belgium, 23 February 2026: Representatives of the European Citizens’ Initiative “Stop Destroying Videogames” (SDV), alongside the Pirate Party in the European Parliament and “Stop Killing Global”, formally handed over more than 1.29 million signatures to Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Commissioner Michael McGrath today in Brussels, urging the adoption of stronger consumer protections in the digital games market.
Supported by citizens throughout the European Union, the initiative calls on policymakers to address the increasing problem of online games being arbitrarily shut down or made inaccessible despite legal purchase. The video game sector now exceeds the combined economic scale of film and music, yet continues to operate within a legal grey area. Current industry practices allow companies to restrict or revoke access to digital content without warning or recourse. That leaves consumers vulnerable.
During the handover, MEP Markéta Gregorová (Pirate Party) underscored the significance of digital ownership rights:
“If buying isn’t owning, then revoking access is stealing. We cannot allow multi-billion-euro monopolies to treat our digital libraries as temporary rentals they can destroy at will. Digital sovereignty – whether as a Union or as individuals, is non-negotiable.”
Daniel Ondruška, spokesperson for the initiative, highlighted the regulatory gap affecting consumers across the EU. He noted that players reasonably expect continued access to products they have legally purchased. Yet existing EU law offers limited protection when publishers discontinue online services or remove access to games.
Organizers emphasize that video games constitute not only commercial products but also cultural works, social platforms, and elements of digital heritage. Moritz Katzner, Interim General Director of Stop Killing Global, stated that the shutdown of servers or deletion of games without viable alternatives constitutes a significant consumer rights concern and threatens trust in digital markets.
Supporters of the initiative identify the forthcoming Digital Fairness Act as a critical legislative opportunity to address these challenges and update EU consumer protection law for the digital era. The European Commission noted in 2024 that certain digital market practices related to access to purchased content may fall within a legal grey area or raise compliance concerns.
Following the formal submission of signatures, campaign representatives urge the European Commission to implement clear legal safeguards to ensure that consumers retain access to legally purchased digital games, even when online services are discontinued.
About Stop Destroying Videogames (SDV)
Stop Destroying Videogames is a European Citizens’ Initiative launched in 2024 to protect gamers’ rights to retain access to legally purchased digital titles. Through public advocacy, petitions, and policy engagement, the initiative aims to strengthen EU consumer protection frameworks for digital goods and services.
Conclusion
With civil society having made its position clear, it is now time for the European Union to ensure that the digital future fully upholds consumer rights.
Media Resource
Press conference recording: m.twitch.tv/stopkillinggames_o…
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