GAMERTIMES

A significant consumer protection measure for gamers has cleared a key hurdle in California. The Protect Our Games Act (Assembly Bill 1921), aimed at preventing paid online-dependent games from becoming unplayable after server closures, passed the California State Assembly with a 43-16 vote.

The bill, introduced by Assembly member Chris Ward, now heads to the California State Senate for further debate and voting. If approved there and signed by the Governor, it would mark a major step toward ensuring long-term access to purchased digital games.

What the Protect Our Games Act Would Require

The legislation targets paid video games that rely on online servers for core functionality. Under the current version:

• Publishers must provide at least 60 days’ advance notice before shutting down servers that affect “ordinary use.”
• Notices would detail the shutdown date, affected services and features, potential security risks, and options for continued play or refunds.
• Companies would then need to choose one of these options:
  • Release an offline-compatible version of the game that works independently of their servers.
  • Issue a patch or update allowing the existing game to remain playable without server connection.
  • Offer a full refund to affected purchasers.

The bill explicitly excludes free-to-play games and subscription-based titles. It would only apply to games released or resold on or after January 1, 2027.

Why This Bill Matters: Lessons from Past Shutdowns

This effort draws inspiration from high-profile cases where players lost access to games they paid for. A notable example is Ubisoft’s The Crew, a 2014 racing game that became completely unplayable after its 2024 server shutdown, sparking consumer frustration and legal action.

Proponents, including the Stop Killing Games campaign, argue the bill promotes fairness and game preservation by treating digital purchases more like owned products rather than temporary licenses.

Potential Industry Impact and SEO Considerations

Critics from the gaming industry, such as the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), warn that the requirements could raise development costs and discourage innovation in live-service games. Some observers predict publishers might shift more titles to free-to-play models to avoid obligations.

For gamers in California and beyond, this bill represents growing momentum in the global push for digital ownership rights.