The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group has expressed strong support for the European Citizens’ Initiative “Stop Destroying Videogames”, arguing that consumers should not lose access to videogames they have legally purchased simply because publishers decide to discontinue online services.

During a plenary debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, ECR Members stressed that the issue goes far beyond gaming and touches on wider questions of consumer protection, ownership rights and trust in the EU’s digital market.

Committee on Petitions Chair Bogdan Rzońca, highlighted the significance of the initiative and the strong public support behind it.

“The collection of more than one million verified signatures across several Member States demonstrates the strong engagement of European citizens on these issues.”

Rzońca also stressed that the debate extends beyond the gaming sector itself.

“This debate goes beyond the video games sector. It concerns consumer protection, transparency and citizen trust in the EU digital single market.”

He encouraged the European Commission to examine possible measures to strengthen consumer protection in the digital environment.

ECR coordinator on Internal Market and Consumer Protection Piotr Müller underlined his Group’s support for the initiative while also calling for a pragmatic approach that avoids unnecessary overregulation.

“I think no one in this room doubts that digital property should be protected. The European Citizens’ Initiative on computer games is an excellent example of how citizens are trying to truly shape their rights in Europe.”

“When consumers lose access to the digital goods they paid for overnight, we are dealing with a situation that is clearly inappropriate. This severely undermines trust in the entire digital market.”

Müller expressed clear support for gamers campaigning for stronger digital ownership rights.

“I would like to express my support for all gamers who are working to ensure that these digital rights are properly regulated.”

At the same time, he warned against creating excessive regulatory burdens for Europe’s videogame industry.

“I encourage the European Commission to be open to this initiative, but at the same time to adopt a pragmatic, positive approach so that this area doesn’t end in overregulation and that our computer games market can continue to thrive.”

For the ECR Group, the debate highlights the growing importance of legal certainty and fair treatment for consumers in the digital economy, while also ensuring that Europe remains a competitive environment for innovation and creative industries.