European Parliament Vice President Backs Stop Killing Games Campaign

The vice president of the European Parliament, Nicolae Ștefănuță, has publicly endorsed the Stop Killing Games campaign, expressing his support through social media and signing a petition directed at the European Commission. This petition, which seeks to prevent game publishers from making online games unplayable by shutting down servers, has recently gathered over one million signatures, although concerns have emerged regarding the authenticity of some signatories.

Ștefănuță made his support known via an Instagram post over the weekend, stating, “I stand with the people who started this citizen initiative. I signed and will continue to help them. A game, once sold, belongs to the customer, not the company.” His endorsement is particularly significant, given the pushback the campaign has received from various game publishing bodies.

As a member of the Greens–European Free Alliance group, Ștefănuță has served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 2019 and was elected vice president in July 2022. These vice presidents play a crucial role within the European Parliament, assisting the president, currently Roberta Metsola from Malta, by overseeing debates and maintaining parliamentary procedures.

Understanding the potential influence of MEPs like Ștefănuță becomes essential as the Stop Killing Games initiative gains traction. The campaign has highlighted a growing concern among gamers about their rights to purchased games and the implications of server shutdowns, which render these games unplayable.

In addition to his backing of the gaming initiative, Ștefănuță has been active on other fronts, including discussions on LGBTQ+ rights in Hungary. On July 9, 2023, he addressed the need for anti-discrimination laws in light of recent governmental actions that threaten these rights. His involvement in such diverse issues illustrates his commitment to upholding fundamental rights across Europe.

The endorsement from a prominent political figure like Ștefănuță may encourage other EU politicians to engage with the Stop Killing Games issue. As the petition continues to grow in popularity, the dialogue surrounding consumer rights in the gaming industry is expected to gain further momentum.

With 720 MEPs in total, Ștefănuță’s support represents a significant step forward for the campaign, though it remains to be seen how many others will join him in advocating for change. The evolving landscape of digital rights and consumer protection in Europe may hinge on such initiatives, as politicians increasingly recognize the need to address these pressing concerns.