Ars Technica to examine legislative push for video game preservation
The upcoming discussion will cover the campaign’s origins following Ubisoft’s server shutdowns, the impact of Sony’s physical media exit, and ongoing policy debates in Europe and California.
Ars Technica will host a live discussion on August 11 featuring Ross Scott, the founder of the Stop Killing Games movement, to examine the growing pressure for legislative action on video game preservation. The conversation, part of the publication’s Ars Live series, will address the systemic issue of digital titles becoming inaccessible when centralized online servers are shut down or when games are delisted from digital storefronts.
Scott established the campaign in 2024 after Ubisoft discontinued server support for The Crew, rendering the title unplayable for many users. Since its inception, the movement has mobilised millions of signatures on government petitions, demanding legal frameworks that guarantee perpetual access to purchased games. These demands include requirements for continued server maintenance or provisions allowing players to host their own servers.
The advocacy efforts have already influenced policy discussions on both sides of the Atlantic. The movement has triggered an official parliamentary debate in Europe, accompanied by a response from the European Commission. Simultaneously, proposed legislation aimed at addressing game preservation is currently progressing through the California legislature.
During the August 11 session, Scott will discuss the origins of the campaign and the factors driving gamer interest in long-term preservation. The discussion will also evaluate whether legislative measures can effectively resolve the problem of digital obsolescence, a question raised by the sheer volume of titles lost to server closures and delisting.
A key focus of the conversation will be the impact of Sony’s recent decision to cease the sale of physical PlayStation discs. As the industry shifts further toward digital distribution, the removal of physical media raises significant questions about long-term access to software and the future of consumer ownership in the gaming sector.
The live broadcast will take place on YouTube, offering viewers a direct look at the intersection of consumer rights, corporate policy, and regulatory response in the digital entertainment industry.
