Stop game developers from blocking virtual machines

Recent signers:
Enrico Hirsch and 15 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Gaming has always been a passion of mine, but like many others, my resources are limited. By using virtual machines (VMs), I have been able to access a PC experience without having to bear the heavy financial burden of a high-end gaming setup. For people like me, who can't afford the upfront costs of expensive gaming rigs, virtual machines are a vital resource. However, an increasingly troubling trend has emerged: game developers disallowing the use of their games on virtual machines. This decision impacts a significant and growing segment of gamers who rely on VMs as their main access point to PC gaming.

Imagine being excluded from playing some of the latest immersive titles just because you're accessing them differently. It's disheartening to dismiss an entire category of gamers simply because they can't afford a typical gaming PC or choose an alternative approach to gaming.

The argument often cited by developers is security and anti-cheat measures. Yet, with advanced technology and careful developer oversight, these issues can be managed without excluding VM users completely. By barring games from functioning on virtual machines, developers are inadvertently excluding passionate players who genuinely want to engage with and support their favorite games.

We propose a collaboration between game developers and the community to develop solutions that maintain the integrity of the gaming experience without blocking VMs. This can include enhanced verification processes or unique VM user accounts to ensure fair play while allowing access.

By signing this petition, we are urging game developers to reconsider these restrictions and work with players to create secure, inclusive environments that welcome all gamers, regardless of their setup. Let’s push for a future where technological innovation doesn't equate to exclusion but rather expands opportunities for every enthusiastic gamer. Your signature can make a change—help us ensure that gaming remains an inclusive and accessible environment for all by signing this petition today.

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Recent signers:
Enrico Hirsch and 15 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Gaming has always been a passion of mine, but like many others, my resources are limited. By using virtual machines (VMs), I have been able to access a PC experience without having to bear the heavy financial burden of a high-end gaming setup. For people like me, who can't afford the upfront costs of expensive gaming rigs, virtual machines are a vital resource. However, an increasingly troubling trend has emerged: game developers disallowing the use of their games on virtual machines. This decision impacts a significant and growing segment of gamers who rely on VMs as their main access point to PC gaming.

Imagine being excluded from playing some of the latest immersive titles just because you're accessing them differently. It's disheartening to dismiss an entire category of gamers simply because they can't afford a typical gaming PC or choose an alternative approach to gaming.

The argument often cited by developers is security and anti-cheat measures. Yet, with advanced technology and careful developer oversight, these issues can be managed without excluding VM users completely. By barring games from functioning on virtual machines, developers are inadvertently excluding passionate players who genuinely want to engage with and support their favorite games.

We propose a collaboration between game developers and the community to develop solutions that maintain the integrity of the gaming experience without blocking VMs. This can include enhanced verification processes or unique VM user accounts to ensure fair play while allowing access.

By signing this petition, we are urging game developers to reconsider these restrictions and work with players to create secure, inclusive environments that welcome all gamers, regardless of their setup. Let’s push for a future where technological innovation doesn't equate to exclusion but rather expands opportunities for every enthusiastic gamer. Your signature can make a change—help us ensure that gaming remains an inclusive and accessible environment for all by signing this petition today.

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The Decision Makers

HoYoVerse
HoYoVerse
Embark Studios
Embark Studios
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Petition created on January 23, 2026