1.3 million gamers asked the EU to stop killing games. Brussels said no.

The Commission rejects a legal obligation and opens talks on a voluntary industry code instead.

The “Stop Destroying Videogames” citizens’ initiative — 1,294,188 verified signatures — asked the EU to stop publishers from making games unplayable when they switch off servers. After a Parliament hearing on 16 April and a plenary debate on 21 May, the Commission replied on 16 June 2026 that it cannot propose a legal obligation at this stage. Instead it will start talks with industry and consumer groups by the end of 2026, aimed at a voluntary code of conduct on the “end of life” of games.

For youYour dead game stays dead — for now. Existing EU digital-content rules may still give you remedies if a game you paid for stops working.

Next: Talks with industry start by the end of 2026, and the Commission will report on the Digital Content Directive before the end of 2026. The Digital Fairness Act proposal is expected in Q4 2026.

Verified against the sources above on 29 September 2026. Plain-language summary — not the legal text and not legal advice.