Press Release

UK Stop Killing Games group launches with new NGO Gamers’ Voice

London, UK — 4th May

A new advocacy group, Gamers’ Voice, has launched as the UK chapter of the Stop Killing Games movement.  It aims to represent the interests of gamers in debates around digital ownership, industry practices, and gaming policy.

The organisation says that while millions of people in the UK play games, gamers are often discussed without their perspectives being directly represented — whether in coverage of gaming culture, monetisation practices, or Government policy proposals affecting online games.

The launch comes as concerns grow around digital ownership and the long-term availability of games people have paid for, alongside new Government powers under the Children and Schools Act that could allow future restrictions on young people’s access to online services, including video games. A Government consultation  ‘Growing up in the online world’ is now considering how, and whether, those powers should be used.

Ross Scott Founder of Stop Killing Games said: “While much of the SKG movement has been focused in the EU, the issue of game destruction is global, so the more governments that can achieve basic protections for customers and the medium, the better. We absolutely appreciate Gamer’s Voice pushing the issue forward in the UK.”

“Gaming is one of the UK’s most popular cultural activities, yet there is no dedicated voice speaking for players or creators. We are seeking to change that,” said Tom Shannon, spokesperson for Gamers’ Voice.

Shannon added: “Too often, conversations about gaming happen without input from people who enjoy playing them. From questions of digital ownership and monetisation practices, to proposals linked to online safety laws that could require adults to show ID to access games or restrict younger people’s ability to stream their gameplay or socialise, we want to ensure gamers are part of those conversations.”

The initiative has already prompted engagement from parliamentarians across different political parties, reflecting growing recognition of the importance of gaming policy and players’ rights.

“Gaming is a hugely important part of how people relax, socialise and connect. Gamers’ Voice is doing valuable work to ensure that players are properly represented and that their voices are heard in decisions that affect them,” said Tom Gordon, Member of Parliament for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

As part of the global Stop Killing Games movement Gamers’ Voice will bring the perspective of players, game developers,  and creators who enjoy making and playing games to policy discussions.

Notes to Editors

• Gamers’ Voice Ltd is a non-partisan advocacy group representing people who play, and enjoy games. It is a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee without share capital. We are registered in England and Wales 16986530. Registered address 4 Station View, Hebden Bridge, HX7 6HS. It is the UK chapter of a global stop killing games movement, 
• The organisation is launching with campaigns focused on digital ownership, monetisation practices, the potential impact of online safety curfews on video games, and fair treatment of players.
• It is co-founded by Tom Shannon and James Baker, who have over 20 years of experience working on digital rights issues.
• Stop Killing Games is a global coalition of gamers, consumer advocates, and developers pushing for international legal protections. Video games are increasingly being designed to require central servers to function, even for single-player content. When publishers decide to shut those servers down, the games are destroyed entirely. We argue this practice is a violation of consumer rights. If you purchase a good, it shouldn’t self-destruct. We are launching formal petitions, exploring class-action lawsuits, and engaging with lawmakers worldwide to end the intentional destruction of our digital media.
• The Children and School’s Wellbeing Act gained Royal Assent last week. Powers agreed within a ping pong between the Commons and Lords give Ministers broad powers to place restrictions including curfews, features such as contacting strangers, and age-gates on online services including online computer games. While much debate has focused on the impact on social media that has been little discussion around how these changes could impact millions of people who play video games. Growing up in the online world: A national conversation will determine how ministers decide to use these powers. 

Media enquiries: tom@gamersvoice.org / 07838 887 396 james@gamersvoice.org / 07817 605 162 https://gamersvoice.org