Web3 Games at Risk? EU Debate Looms Over Ownership and Server Shutdowns
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
A European debate on game preservation and server shutdowns could significantly impact the future of online games, including Web3 titles, as lobbyists argue about costs and ownership concerns. The outcome may influence how Web3 game developers approach sustainability and player ownership.
The debate around game preservation and player ownership is heating up in Europe, potentially impacting the future of Web3 gaming. According to a recent Rock Paper Shotgun report, the Stop Killing Games (SKG) campaign, advocating for the preservation of online games, has garnered over a million signatures, prompting EU policymakers to consider regulations regarding server shutdowns. A major concern for SKG is the ability for developers and publishers to render online games unplayable by shutting down their servers.
Video Games Europe (VGE), a trade association representing major publishers like Warner Bros. Games, Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo, argues that forcing companies to maintain online support indefinitely or provide end-of-life plans that ensure continued playability could make creating online-only games "prohibitively expensive." They also raised concerns about the safety and legal liabilities associated with community-run private servers, a common solution proposed for game preservation. This is particularly relevant for Web3 games, where decentralized ownership and community involvement are core tenets.
This debate has significant implications for the Web3 gaming space. While blockchain technology can potentially address ownership and persistence, the underlying server infrastructure still presents a challenge. If EU regulations mandate long-term support or open-source solutions, it could impact how Web3 game developers design and fund their projects. YouTuber Ross Scott of SKG argues that VGE's concerns are "bad faith arguments" and urges supporters to contact EU members of parliament. The discussion in the EU will be interesting to follow as the outcome will likely influence the future of game ownership, preservation, and the evolving landscape of Web3 gaming.
Tags: Web3 Gaming, Game Preservation, Blockchain Gaming, EU Regulations, Player Ownership
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun