The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), a lobbying group for the gaming industry, has publicly opposed the growing consumer movement known as 'Stop Killing Games' (SKG). The ESA claims that this movement could increase long-term game development costs and hinder the creation of new games and technologies.

'Stop Killing Games' is a consumer movement opposing the current live-service model that renders games unplayable once online services are terminated. It gained significant traction after Ubisoft shut down its online racing game 'The Crew' in 2024, effectively blocking purchasers from accessing the game they had bought. The movement has since expanded through European citizen petitions and activities by consumer groups worldwide; a recent European petition secured over 1.3 million valid signatures, entering the official review stage by the European Union.

At the center of the controversy is 'AB 1921 (Protect Our Games Act),' a bill currently under discussion in California. The bill would require developers to provide measures such as offline play support, standalone versions, or refunds when an online game service is terminated.

In an official statement to the California-based media outlet 'ABC10,' the ESA expressed concern, noting that "many games rely on evolving online systems, licensed content, and server structures." The ESA further argued that "AB 1921 could force developers to divert limited time and resources toward maintaining legacy systems, ultimately reducing the development of new games, features, and technologies."

The ESA also clarified its stance against the concept of digital game ownership. In a letter of opposition submitted to the California legislature, the association argued that "the premise that consumers permanently own digital games is fundamentally flawed," reiterating its position that digital games are limited-use licenses rather than sales of physical goods.

On the other hand, 'Stop Killing Games' countered that their demands do not equate to a 'mandatory requirement for permanent server maintenance.' The organizers emphasized the need for basic consumer protections, stating, "We are not asking for games to be serviced forever, but rather that games sold for money should not be rendered unusable without any compensation." They further criticized the ESA for intentionally distorting the issue.

The ESA has historically taken a negative stance on discussions regarding game preservation. Last year, when the U.S. debated whether to allow libraries and museums remote access to games for preservation purposes, the ESA submitted an opposition, arguing that "remote access could be abused for casual play rather than research purposes." The U.S. Copyright Office subsequently accepted the ESA's position.

Meanwhile, both inside and outside the industry, questions are being raised about the current structure where companies unilaterally decide the 'lifespan' of digital games as online-based titles become more prevalent. Notably, Ubisoft is currently working on adding an offline mode to 'The Crew 2,' which is being cited as a prime example of change driven by the 'Stop Killing Games' movement.