Activists from Stop Killing Games will “scare” publishers by demanding the return of old games under law.

New era of the fight for “living” games: Stop Killing Games becomes a full-fledged NGO

In 2024 a group of video‑game fans launched the Stop Killing Games (SKG) initiative in response to Ubisoft’s decision to shut down the servers of racing masterpiece *The Crew*. Since then, the movement has evolved from a simple online community into two official non‑profit organizations operating in the European Union and the United States.

What changed?
* New legal status

By registering as an NGO, SKG can now conduct long‑term lobbying. The organization plans to influence legislation such as the *Digital Fairness Act* in the U.S. and the *Digital Content Directive* in the EU to make server shutdowns after a game's lifecycle legally impossible.

* Management

In Europe the group is led by German activist Moritz Katzner, who has been involved since last year. He will also serve as an advisor for the American branch. The movement’s founder, Ross Scott, said he is stepping back from day‑to‑day operations to make room for new leaders.

* Goals

SKG does not demand a ban on microtransactions or radical changes to game business models. Their simple request: companies must provide clear plans for preserving servers and content after support ends. According to Katzner and Scott, industry costs to oppose this initiative already exceed the expenses needed to implement such plans.

What’s next?
* Oversight

The organization will act as a “regulatory body,” publishing guidelines on how to file complaints with government agencies whenever major server shutdowns occur. This will make it easier for players to protect their rights.

* Network expansion

SKG is open to establishing similar NGOs in other regions, enabling the creation of a global network that safeguards player rights.

Thus, Stop Killing Games has moved beyond protests into sustainable legal and political action, aiming to make video‑game preservation a lawful corporate obligation.