In a statement posted on its social media channels, Stop Killing Games insisted that, while it shares the frustration of many gamers with the policies of Rockstar and other major publishers, resorting to illegal methods only harms the cause. The organization explicitly asked users not to send money to the hackers, who are also promoting a cryptocurrency called 'memecoin' through QR codes in the leaked videos.
“Don’t send money to these hackers”
Stop Killing Games' statement is unequivocal: “Do not send money to these people, regardless of how much you may sympathize with their actions. This is illegal, and frankly, we stand in solidarity with the entire Rockstar team who must deal with this ordeal once again.” The organization points out that the last person to leak Rockstar material, in 2022, was ultimately hospitalized indefinitely, and warns that “this is not a cause worth risking your money or your future for.”
Furthermore, Stop Killing Games points out that the hackers aren't actually trying to defend players' rights, but rather to make a profit. The group has capitalized on the virality to sell its cryptocurrency and solicit donations in exchange for more leaked content. The organization emphasizes that "using illegal means to impose our position is unacceptable and does nothing to protect our right to continue using what we've paid for." It also laments that the game's developers are the primary victims, as they bear no responsibility for the decisions made by senior management.
The legal battle in Europe: a slow but necessary path
Meanwhile, Stop Killing Games continues its legal battle. The initiative gathered over 1,2 million signatures for its 'Stop Destroying Videogames' petition to the European Union. Although the European Commission ruled out imposing a blanket legal obligation forcing publishers to keep their titles playable, it did announce that it will begin discussions with consumers and the industry before the end of 2026 to develop a code of conduct regarding the end-of-life of video games.
In this context, the organization has also shown its support for the class-action lawsuit against Sony in the Netherlands, filed by the Stichting Massaschade & Consument foundation. According to the lawsuit, Sony is abusing its dominant position on the PlayStation Store, with prices that are, on average, 47% higher than in physical format. Stop Killing Games and DoesItPlay? have joined the Fair PlayStation movement, encouraging Dutch gamers to sign up. Although the court has not yet ruled on the merits of the case, this action reflects SKG's strategy of supporting legal avenues to achieve change.
The divided community and the responsibility of the players
The community's reaction has been mixed. While some applaud the leak as an act of rebellion against Rockstar's anti-consumer policies, others consider it a crime that harms the developers. Stop Killing Games has sought to put an end to the controversy by reminding everyone that "channeling frustration into something constructive" is the only effective way. The organization asks players not to share the leaked material or financially support those responsible, and to rely on official channels for information about the game.
Even streamer xQc has harshly criticized those who consume these leaks, calling them "not true gamers." However, SKG doesn't stop at condemnation: its final message is that preserving video games and consumer rights can only be achieved through dialogue and legal pressure, not with cyberattacks that, moreover, end up benefiting scammers.
In short, Stop Killing Games has made it clear that it does not and will never support illegal leaks, no matter how justified the demands may seem. The organization insists that real change requires time, effort, and, above all, legal action. Meanwhile, the industry continues to view these incidents with concern, and the community must decide whether it wants to be complicit in a crime or join a fight that, while slow, seeks to protect the future of video games for everyone.
