EU won't force publishers to grant dead video games an afterlife

The European Commission has decided against imposing a legal obligation on publishers to ensure video games remain playable after their commercial lifecycle, a move that has disappointed digital rights advocates. This ruling affects users of licensed software that relies on persistent online connectivity, potentially rendering their purchases inaccessible when servers are decommissioned. The decision stems from a petition signed by nearly 1.3 million gamers concerned about the permanent loss of access to online-dependent titles. Publishers had argued that maintaining servers for games with declining player bases is not commercially viable, while consumers felt aggrieved by the loss of access to purchased digital content. The Commission cited existing intellectual property rights and consumer protection laws, which require providers to clearly outline contract termination conditions prior to purchase, as reasons for not introducing new legislation. Instead, the Commission intends to collaborate with the industry on a voluntary code of conduct. This outcome is seen by some as a missed opportunity to address a growing issue in digital ownership, with concerns raised about policy fragmentation across member states. The "Stop Killing Games" movement is now pivoting its efforts to influence the proposed Digital Fairness Act, aiming to integrate their proposed amendments into this broader legislative framework. The group believes this proposed legislation offers a suitable avenue to address their concerns regarding digital longevity and consumer rights.