Submission and examination
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.
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.
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.
The European Parliament held a debate on this initiative in its plenary session on 21 May 2026. Watch the recording.
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
Main conclusions of the Communication:
In its reply, the Commission considers that at this stage it cannot propose a legal obligation to keep video games playable after they stop being provided commercially.
However, existing EU consumer law already provides for important safeguards for consumers.
In reply to the initiative, the Commission will:
- 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’.
- work with consumer organisations and authorities to raise awareness about the applicable consumers’ rights, including safeguards protecting their interests. The Commission will report on the application of the Directive on digital content and digital services before the end of 2026.
Active enforcement of the existing consumer rights can also incentivise the providers to offer video games with longer lifespans and explore solutions for meeting consumer expectations.
