California Proposes Bill to Safeguard Access to Online Games
California lawmakers are working on a bill to preserve access to online games
Engadget
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California lawmakers are advancing the 'Protect Our Games Act,' which mandates game publishers to provide access to online games even after they are no longer supported. The bill requires a 60-day notice before service cessation and offers options like refunds or offline patches, addressing the issue of digital ownership in gaming.
- 01The 'Protect Our Games Act' was introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward in February 2026.
- 02The law would only apply to games released after January 1, 2027, and excludes free or subscription-based games.
- 03Game publishers must notify players 60 days prior to ceasing essential services for digital games.
- 04If enacted, the law would require publishers to provide refunds, patches, or offline versions of games.
- 05The bill has received support from the games preservation group Stop Killing Games, which advised on its creation.
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California lawmakers are working on the 'Protect Our Games Act,' aimed at ensuring continued access to online games after they are no longer supported by publishers. This legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward in February 2026, requires game publishers to notify players at least 60 days in advance before discontinuing essential services for digital games. It mandates that publishers offer either a full refund, a software patch for offline play, or a standalone version of the game. Notably, the law will apply only to titles released after January 1, 2027, and will not cover free or subscription-based games. The bill has successfully passed through several committees and is now set for a full vote in the California State Assembly. The initiative has garnered support from Stop Killing Games, a preservation group that has been advocating for similar protections in Europe. The bill addresses significant concerns regarding digital ownership, as many games require ongoing server support to function, leading to their obsolescence once publishers cease maintenance. The progress of this bill is seen as a promising step towards safeguarding players' rights in the digital gaming landscape.
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This legislation could significantly affect gamers by ensuring they retain access to their purchased games, protecting their investments in digital content.
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