Anonymous Accusations Against Stop Killing Games Movement Spark Controversy
2025-07-22 19:54:37Ross Scott, founder of the Stop Killing Games initiative, has addressed anonymous allegations accusing the movement of misleading the EU Parliament and violating transparency regulations. The campaign, which began in response to Ubisoft delisting The Crew in 2024, advocates for publishers to implement "end-of-life" plans ensuring players retain access to purchased games after online services shut down.
The movement gained momentum after Scott's viral video in June, leading to its EU petition amassing 1.4 million signatures—enough to guarantee parliamentary review. However, an unnamed source recently accused the campaign of failing to disclose financial contributions, alleging Scott's unpaid work constituted "professional contributions" worth €63,000–147,000 under EU transparency laws.
In a YouTube response, Scott dismissed the claims as baseless, citing EU Parliament guidelines that exempt voluntary promoters from sponsorship rules. He suggested the complaint might stem from industry pushback, referencing recent criticism by a European publisher group arguing the movement "curtails developer choice."
Despite the controversy, Scott remains confident the petition will proceed, noting support from the EU Parliament's Vice President. The debate highlights growing tensions between preservation advocates and publishers over digital ownership rights.
The movement's next steps hinge on the EU Parliament's assessment, with Scott urging supporters to remain vigilant against further "smear campaigns."