“Stop Killing Games Establishes Player Advocacy Group to Lobby UK Government for Gamer Inclusion in Policy Discussions”

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"Stop Killing Games Establishes Player Advocacy Group to Lobby UK Government for Gamer Inclusion in Policy Discussions"

### The Stop Killing Games Campaign and the Launch of Gamers’ Voice in the UK

The Stop Killing Games campaign has made headlines this year with its ambitious plans to establish non-governmental organizations (NGOs) aimed at ensuring the continuation of playability for online games, particularly when publishers shut down their servers. Recently, one of these regional advocacy groups, known as Gamers’ Voice, has launched in the UK, expanding the campaign’s mission beyond immediate concerns to broader governance issues affecting gamers.

#### Objectives of Gamers’ Voice

Gamers’ Voice focuses on critical issues that impact both gamers and the gaming industry in the UK. These include game preservation, live-service shutdowns, age verification, the use of loot boxes, online safety laws, and other legislative proposals that could significantly affect young people’s access to games. This regional advocacy will complement ongoing efforts by the Stop Killing Games campaign in both the European Union and North America.

Moritz Katzner, an organizer of the Stop Killing Games campaign, made the announcement about Gamers’ Voice via Reddit and Discord, emphasizing the need for a platform that amplifies gamers’ voices in policy discussions. Tom Shannon, one of the co-founders who acts as a managing director, stated, “Too often, conversations about gaming happen without input from the people who enjoy playing games.” This statement underscores the initiative’s objective to ensure gamers are actively involved in dialogues surrounding digital ownership, monetization practices, and regulations that may affect their online experiences.

#### Engaging with Policymakers

Gamers’ Voice has begun engaging with parliamentarians across the political spectrum, signaling its commitment to fostering collaboration with legislators. This engagement is critical to shaping informed policies in favor of digital rights and consumer protection within the gaming sector. The organization has received supportive statements from politicians, including Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon, who praised the initiative for ensuring gamers are represented in decisions that impact their lives.

#### Founders’ Background

Tom Shannon and his co-founder, James Baker, bring over 20 years of experience in digital rights advocacy to Gamers’ Voice. Their commitment to this cause stemmed from their shared interest in gaming, which began when they met playing Magic: The Gathering. Both felt that there was a lack of representation for gamers in the UK, especially after previous attempts to establish similar organizations had failed. This led them to create Gamers’ Voice as a not-for-profit company in January 2023.

#### Future Prospects

The launch of Gamers’ Voice is a crucial development in the broader Stop Killing Games campaign, which has generated significant attention and support from the gaming community and beyond. As they move forward, the impact of this advocacy group on UK gaming policy will be closely observed, especially as the campaign hints at “massive news” on the horizon.

By creating a formal channel for gamers’ concerns, Gamers’ Voice aims to shape policies that are fair and representative of the gaming community, thus playing a vital role in the ongoing evolution of gaming culture and consumer rights in the UK.

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