A campaign called "Stop Killing Games" is challenging the video game industry's practice of shutting down online games without ensuring continued playability for consumers who purchased them.

The initiative targets the common industry practice where publishers can permanently disable games, particularly those requiring online servers, leaving consumers unable to access content they paid for. This typically occurs when publishers decide to discontinue server support for older titles or when games fail to meet commercial expectations.

The campaign argues that current industry practices effectively allow publishers to revoke access to purchased digital products without providing alternative means for players to continue using them. This differs from traditional physical media, where consumers retain permanent access to their purchases.

The "Stop Killing Games" movement is seeking changes that would require publishers to implement preservation measures before discontinuing online services. Such measures could include releasing server software to communities or providing offline modes that maintain core gameplay functionality.

The campaign represents growing consumer advocacy in the digital gaming space, where the shift toward online-dependent games has created new questions about digital ownership rights and long-term access to purchased entertainment products.