Video Game Preservation Fight: Ross Scott Leads 'Stop Killing Games'

A growing movement advocating for the preservation of video games is gaining traction, with efforts underway to combat the increasing trend of digital titles becoming inaccessible. Ross Scott, the founder of the "Stop Killing Games" campaign, will be featured in a live discussion on August 11, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. ET, as part of the Ars Live series. This initiative addresses the critical issue of games being rendered unplayable due to server shutdowns or digital delisting.

Scott launched the "Stop Killing Games" movement in 2024, spurred by Ubisoft's decision to discontinue servers for the online racing game, The Crew. Since its inception, the campaign has amassed millions of signatures on petitions presented to governments worldwide. These petitions call for legislative action to guarantee perpetual access to purchased games, either through continued server support from publishers or by enabling players to host their own servers.

Legislative Efforts and Industry Impact

The movement's advocacy has already prompted an official parliamentary debate in the European Commission and has seen proposed legislation advance through the California legislature. The upcoming Ars Live discussion aims to delve into the origins of the movement, the motivations behind gamers' strong interest in long-term game preservation, and the feasibility of addressing this issue through legal means. A key topic will be how recent industry decisions, such as Sony's cessation of PlayStation disc sales, are influencing the broader debate on sustainable game access.

The problem of game preservation is multifaceted. Many beloved titles from past decades are becoming lost not only to server closures but also to the obsolescence of physical media and the proprietary nature of digital storefronts. As software-saas models become more prevalent in gaming, the reliance on continuous online services increases, amplifying the risk of titles disappearing permanently. This situation affects not only individual players who lose access to games they own but also cultural heritage, as digital games are increasingly recognized as a significant art form and historical medium.

Scott's campaign highlights a fundamental shift in how games are consumed and the expectations of players. Historically, once a game was purchased, it was generally playable indefinitely. However, the digital age has introduced complexities where ownership can be conditional on the continued availability of external services. The "Stop Killing Games" initiative seeks to reassert player rights and ensure that the commercial decisions of game companies do not equate to the erasure of playable digital experiences. The success of petitions and the engagement from legislative bodies suggest a growing recognition that video games, like other forms of media, require thoughtful strategies for long-term preservation to safeguard their cultural and recreational value for future generations.