The latest episode of Last Week Tonight, comedian John Oliver's HBO program, tackled an issue that could particularly affect gamers and video game companies alike: net neutrality. In the episode, Oliver called for an effort from gamers to resist threats against it.

　　"Every internet group needs to come together like you successfully did three years ago," he said on the show, referencing the concerted effort made in 2014 to protect net neutrality rules. "Every subculture must join as one. Gamers, YouTube celebrities, Instagram models, Tom from MySpace if you're still alive. We need all of you."

　　Net neutrality is a policy currently enforced by the Federal Communications Commission that requires that internet service providers treat every website and online service the same way. In other words, Comcast or Time Warner cannot offer "tiers" of internet service that buy faster access to certain websites. If it was not for the policy of net neutrality, ISPs could charge customers more for higher-speed access to specific services like Netflix.

　　In terms of its effect on gaming, an elimination of net neutrality rules could make it possible for ISPs to charge different prices for gaming services like Steam, PlayStation Network, or Xbox Live. In the past, developers such as Lorne Lanning, the creator of the Oddworld series, have spoken out in support of net neutrality.

　　Oliver addressed net neutrality because the FCC has announced plans to loosen these restrictions, an effort led by the newly appointed chairman Ajit Pai. Pai argues that enforcing net neutrality increases uncertainty in the ISP market, stating earlier this year, "It's evident the rules were a mistake."

　　Proponents of protecting net neutrality, on the other hand, say that the potential for ISP abuse is far too high to walk back the regulations.

　　Oliver also set up a domain, www.gofccyourself.com, which redirects to the FCC's page on its proposed policy change, "Restoring Internet Freedom." You can click the "+express" link on the page to share your thoughts with the FCC.