EU Rejects Mandatory Game Preservation Law, Seeks Voluntary Code by End-2026
Updated
Updated · Engadget · Jun 16
EU Rejects Mandatory Game Preservation Law, Seeks Voluntary Code by End-2026
3 articles · Updated · Engadget · Jun 16
Summary
The European Commission said it will not force game companies to keep online titles playable after sale ends, choosing a voluntary code of conduct instead.
Copyright and intellectual-property rules block a binding preservation mandate, the Commission said, so it will work with developers, publishers, consumer groups and authorities on industry standards.
An end-2026 report will outline that work and efforts to raise awareness of consumer rights when games are sunset or removed from access.
The review followed the Stop Killing Games campaign, launched after Ubisoft shut down The Crew in 2024 and deleted it from players' libraries, intensifying debate over digital ownership and preservation.