Where Do Games Go When They Die?

Nov 12, 2025

In this discussion, Ross Scott, a passionate filmmaker and founder of the Stop Killing Games movement, highlights the need for better preservation regulations in the gaming industry. Nicole Carpenter, an insightful freelance reporter, shares fascinating anecdotes about the emotional bond gamers formed with titles like Kim Kardashian: Hollywood. They delve into the reasons behind game shutdowns, the financial motivations of publishers, and the rise of player-driven preservation efforts, all while exploring how communities grieve their lost virtual worlds.

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ANECDOTE

The Crew's Sudden Death

Ross loved The Crew for its vast open world and driving mechanics that let him explore miniaturized U.S. landscapes for hours.
When Ubisoft shut the servers in 2024, even single-player access vanished and Ross felt the game was literally dead.

ANECDOTE

Kim Kardashian: A Ritual Game

Nicole described Kim Kardashian: Hollywood as a free-to-play mobile ritual with frequent updates and fashion collection mechanics.
Players bonded over daily play, storylines, and collectible outfits that became part of their routines.

ANECDOTE

Community Funeral And Migration

When Kim Kardashian: Hollywood announced its shutdown, the community created funeral outfits and mourned the loss publicly.
Some fans immediately started planning where to move next or even making a replacement game.

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When Ubisoft, publisher of the sprawling open-world racing game The Crew shut down the game’s servers, cutting off access to even its single-player mode, fans were outraged. The moment tapped into their decades of frustration with the gaming industry’s push toward online-only content — and what some now call the growing epidemic of “game death.” In this episode, host Morgan Sung is joined by Ross Scott, a filmmaker and YouTube creator who launched the “Stop Killing Games” campaign. They’ll cover the push for new regulations requiring publishers to plan for the end of their games’ lifespans. Then, Morgan talks with gaming journalist Nicole Carpenter about the passionate community that formed around the mobile game Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, and how gamers grieve the loss of their favorite virtual worlds.

Guests:

Ross Scott, filmmaker, creator, and founder of the Stop Killing Games movement

Nicole Carpenter, freelance reporter

Further reading/listening:

With Anthem’s Impending Server Shutdown, I’m Trying It For The First Time — Nicole Carpenter, Aftermath

Kim Kardashian: Hollywood has an unlikely, lasting place in gaming history — Nicole Carpenter, Polygon

'Stop Killing Games' Campaign Closes in on Getting EU Regulators to Intervene — Jon Martindale, PC Mag

‘Stop Killing Games’: Demands for game ownership must also include workers’ rights — Louis-Etienne Dubois and Miikka J. Lehtonen, The Conversation

The largest campaign ever to stop publishers destroying games — Ross Scott, Accursed Farms (YouTube)

Read the transcript here

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Credits:

This episode was reported and hosted by Morgan Sung and produced by Francesca Fenzi. Our team includes producer Maya Cueva, editor Chris Hambrick and senior editor Chris Egusa. Jen Chien is KQED’s Director of Podcasts, and also helps edit the show. Original music, including our theme song, by Chris Egusa. Additional music from APM. Audio engineering by Brendan Willard. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad. Katie Sprenger is our Podcast Operations Manager. Ethan Toven-Lindsey is our Editor in Chief.

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