Stop Destroying Videogames - European Citizens' Initiative
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Stop Destroying Videogames
Submission and examination<br>The ‘Stop Destroying Videogames’ initiative was submitted to the European Commission on 26 January 2026, after having gathered 1,294,188 verified statements of support. See European Commission News.<br>On 23 February 2026, the initiative organisers presented the objectives of their initiative in a meeting with Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Commissioner Michael McGrath, accompanied by European Commission officials, in line with Article 15 of the ECI Regulation. See the photo news.<br>This initiative was also presented in a public hearing at the European Parliament on 16 April 2026, in accordance with Article 14(2) of the ECI Regulation. During the hearing, the organisers provided details about their objectives, and Members of the European Parliament exchanged views on the initiative. Find the recording and related materials on the webpage of the public hearing.<br>The European Parliament held a debate on this initiative in its plenary session on 21 May 2026. Watch the recording.<br>The Commission adopted a Communication on 16 June 2026 setting out its response to this initiative. See the Commission's press release.
Answer of the European Commission<br>Main conclusions of the Communication:<br>In its reply, the Commission cannot propose a legal obligation to keep video games playable after they stop being provided commercially.<br>However, existing EU consumer law already provides for important safeguards for consumers.<br>In reply to the ECI, the Commission will:<br>initiate, by end 2026, an exchange with the video game industry and consumer representatives with the aim to draw up an industry code of conduct on managing video games’ ‘end of life’.<br>work with consumer organisations and authorities to raise awareness about the applicable consumers’ rights, including safeguards protecting their interests.<br>Active enforcement of the existing consumer rights can also incentivise the providers to offer video games with longer lifespans.
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