As a gamer who cherishes the history and creativity of the gaming community, I am deeply concerned about the new EU Kids Act. This piece of legislation, designed with the intent of protecting children online, could inadvertently jeopardize the vast and vibrant ecosystem that revolves around custom servers and online gaming communities. The Act proposes a ban on custom servers for games and imposes strict restrictions on digital purchases, which, if implemented, could erase years of creative efforts and make valuable archived content lost media once again.

Custom servers have long been a cornerstone for innovation and personalization in the gaming world. They allow players to host modified versions of their favorite games, often enhancing them with new features or immersing audiences in entirely new experiences crafted with love and skill by fellow enthusiasts. These servers also serve as a digital archive, preserving versions of games that may otherwise be lost due to official server shutdowns.

Moreover, limiting digital purchases could stifle the growth of independent developers who rely on open platforms to reach their audience and sell their creative works. Many small game creators depend on the ability to offer custom content and digital purchases, forming the very foundation of their business models. This Act, while well-meaning in its protection efforts, may inadvertently harm the very community it seeks to safeguard.

The EU must consider the diverse implications of the Kids Act to ensure it does not dampen the innovative spirit of the gaming community. Rather than a blanket ban, we need regulations that strike a balance between safeguarding young players and supporting the flourishing of rich, autonomous gaming communities.

We urge policymakers to engage with the gaming community to explore more nuanced regulations that respect the thriving digital art form of video games. This is a call for thoughtful legislation that protects the young while embracing creative ecosystems that millions of players cherish.

Sign this petition to let the EU know that while we support measures to keep children safe online, we must also preserve the legacy and rich potential of online gaming. Together, we can advocate for a future where creative freedom and safety coexist harmoniously.