Stop Killing Games Hit by Bizarre EU Funding Complaint

In the complaint, the initiative is accused of making a false declaration, claiming “no funding,” and is accused of “systematic concealment of major contribution.” Notably, any funding exceeding 500 Euros per sponsor must be reported under strict rules, according to the European Citizens’ Initiatives. In a shocking turn of events, Ross Scott himself qualifies as such a sponsor. The complaint argues that he dedicated too many unpaid hours to promoting the campaign as the reason.

This point makes the case that his volunteered time represents a significant financial value that should have been formally declared. That said, with this usual interpretation made known, the movement hits a hurdle on the road. When it comes to its European petition, Stop Killing Games recently encountered a new challenge. The complaint was filed with the EU authorities, specifically referencing an interview Ross Scott gave to PC Gamer.

So, why exactly do Scott’s long volunteer hours constitute a hidden financial contribution? It’s revealed that Scott mentioned working 12 to 14 hours daily on the campaign during some weeks. Consequently, the complaint applies an estimated “market rate” of 50 to 75 Euros per hour for similar services, calculating this time as representing a professional contribution worth between 63,000 and 147,000 Euros. Ultimately, the complaint insists that this figure vastly exceeds the 500 Euro reporting threshold per sponsor.

Game Industry Blamed for EU Petition Volunteer Complaint

Scott, responding in a detailed video, strongly contested this interpretation of the Stop Killing Games campaign by emphasizing that the EU’s own regulations explicitly state that volunteering qualifies as non-financial support. These rules state that volunteers like him are not considered sponsors and their time doesn’t need to be reported. Clarifying his specific role within the European effort, Scott revealed his American citizenship makes him ineligible to be an official organizer of the EU Citizens’ Initiative.

Not only that, but according to the figurehead, official organizers proactively sought guidance from EU representatives earlier in 2024 regarding Scott’s promotional activities. Following confirmation, his actions were permissible and required no special reporting, ensuring everything remained above board. What’s more bizarre is that the complaint arrived anonymously, leaving its true origin uncertain. However, Scott blames the game industry itself for filing the complaint against the group. On July 31, it’ll become clear what the EU’s final stance on the broader Stop Killing Games petition is, leading to the next phase in combating his potential for the popular group.