Stop Killing Games Joins Pushback Against Age Verification Laws
Original: "It is frustrating to see policymakers suddenly claim everything is 'for our safety'" - Stop Killing Games joins pushback against age verification laws View original →
Stop Killing Games Broadens Its Advocacy
Stop Killing Games, the campaign best known for pushing legislation that would require game publishers to keep their titles functional after server shutdowns, has now joined the growing chorus of voices opposing age verification laws targeting online platforms and games.
What Age Verification Laws Propose
A wave of legislation in the United States and Europe is pushing for mandatory age verification systems that users must pass before accessing online platforms, including video games. Proponents argue these are necessary protections for minors; critics contend they represent significant overreach that threatens privacy and could effectively create a surveillance layer over internet usage.
The Campaign's Position
"It is frustrating to see policymakers suddenly claim everything is for our safety," Stop Killing Games said. The campaign argues that existing tools — parental controls built into platforms, devices, and browsers — already provide adequate protections without requiring users to submit personal identification data to access games.
The campaign's entry into this debate marks an expansion of gaming advocacy beyond preservation issues, positioning the movement as a broader defender of player rights and digital freedoms against legislative overreach.
Related Articles
The European Commission said it cannot propose a legal obligation requiring games to remain playable after commercial support ends. Its next step is a 2026 industry and consumer discussion on a code of conduct for game end-of-life management.
A r/gamernews post links PC Gamer's report that Stop Killing Games is creating NGO entities in the EU and US after the campaign's 1.3 million-signature milestone and formal EU consideration track.
Krafton's end-user license agreement for Subnautica 2 has sparked massive outrage for containing some of the most restrictive terms in gaming history, including banning VPN use, claiming ownership of fan art, and requiring players to waive their right to sue.