February 23, 2026
Brussels vs. Boss Mode
Stop Killing Games update says EU petition advances
Gamers cheer, cynics eye-roll as Brussels hears 'Stop Killing Games'
TLDR: The EU is formally reviewing the “Stop Destroying Videogames” petition, with a reply due by July 27, 2026. The community is split between hopeful “democracy might work” vibes and cynical “it’ll be a loophole label” takes, while fans rally around keeping paid games playable after shutdowns.
The EU’s “Stop Destroying Videogames” petition just leveled up to an official review, and the comments are on fire. Ross Scott—dubbed “Thor” by one fan—says the campaign is shifting from hype to policy chess, with a European Commission reply due by July 27, 2026 and a public hearing in Parliament. While industry voices warn that consumer protections mean “endless support,” Scott’s pitch is simpler: when publishers pull the plug, give players an end-of-life mode so paid games still work. Cue drama. One camp is downright giddy: “Is democracy working?” asks cadamsdotcom, while another calls this the white pill young people needed to believe in politics again. Then the skeptics crash the party—preommr snarks that this is just “round 2/7” before a meaningless label lets companies dodge responsibility. Video Games Europe insists shutdowns must stay on the table, so Scott’s team is forming two watchdog NGOs (EU and US) to counter-lobby and keep pressure on, with a fallback of enforcing existing consumer laws country by country. The vibe? Hope vs. hard realism. HiPhish goes big-brain, arguing this is about more than “toys”—games were the gateway to computing, culture, and the app era. And yes, the “Thanks, ‘Thor’” meme keeps swinging its hammer
Key Points
- •The EU ECI “Stop Destroying Videogames” was submitted for European Commission examination on January 26, 2026.
- •A Commission reply is due by July 27, 2026, with a meeting and a public hearing in the European Parliament as part of the process.
- •Stop Killing Games, led by Ross Scott, is pivoting from signature collection to regulator engagement and legislative work.
- •Industry pushback claims consumer protections would require indefinite support; the campaign seeks end-of-life playability for paid games.
- •Two NGOs (EU- and US-based) are being formed for counter-lobbying and watchdog efforts, with existing EU consumer law enforcement as a fallback.