European Commission Refuses to Stop Killing Games After Alleged Meeting with Ubisoft
But it will discuss other ways of protecting rights.
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Stop Killing Games
Soon after the Stop Killing Games initiative celebrated the Protect Our Games Act being passed by the California State Assembly, it received devastating news: the European Commission refused to create new laws to force video game publishers to add ways for players to continue enjoying their games after the servers shut down or at least get refunds.
"The Commission considers that at this stage it cannot propose a legal obligation to keep video games playable after they stop being provided commercially. This is due, also, to existing intellectual property rights. Under EU copyright law, rights holders enjoy exclusive rights over their creations. In addition to copyright, other intellectual property rights may also be relevant as they may protect different visual and technological aspects of a video game," the organization said in a statement.
The Commission believes that existing EU consumer law already provides safeguards protecting the economic interests of consumers. "Video game providers must inform consumers about the duration and the conditions for terminating the contract before the consumers signs up for the video game. The Directive on digital content and digital services provides consumers with remedies when the content or service provided does not conform with the contract and what consumers could reasonably expect. Consumers may be entitled to proportionate refund of their purchases."
What makes this extra interesting (and suspicious) is that the EC reportedly held an "invitation-only" meeting with Ubisoft, the publisher that was the reason for the whole Stop Killing Games campaign when it closed The Crew servers. According to the creator, YouTuber Ross Scott, the two companies met 2 weeks before the EC had to give its answer, and SKG wasn't invited.
Now, after discussing something with Ubisoft, the EC rejected SKG's proposal. Supporters of the initiative assume that Ubisoft influenced the decision, and it's hard not to suspect foul play.
Despite the refusal, the Commission claims it will "initiate 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'".
It will also "work with consumer organisations and authorities to raise awareness about the applicable rights that protect consumers" and report on the application of the Directive on digital content and digital services before the end of the year.
But Stop Killing Games won't give up: "The cook continues, no matter how loudly the doomers cry."
"This movement is defined by action and we will keep acting, we owe Ross and the millions of people, that have put their trust in us. MEPs have recognized that, the California state assembly and even the courts have. Let’s keep winning," the organization stated.
In the next few months, SKG is planning to continue its work on the POG Act in the US, send an own-initiative report to the European Parliament, adapt the POG Act into legislation suitable for the EU, and focus on building the new Stop Killing the Internet team, in coalition with groups including Open Rights Group, Big Brother Watch, Index on Censorship, Progressive Victory, the Pirates, and others.
Hopefully, justice will prevail.
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