California Bill Would Require Game Companies to Provide Options Before Ending Online Services
Similar Articles
California Bill Would Require Refunds or Offline Access When Online Games Shut Down
Consumer Rights Advocates Address EU Parliament on Game Preservation and Age Verification Laws
European Parliament Hearing Examines Legal Protections for Games After Service Shutdowns
California Bill to Create Post-Production Tax Incentive Gains Key Endorsement
Colorado Right-to-Repair Bill Defeated in House Committee
A proposed California law would require companies to notify digital game owners 60 days before shutting down online services and then provide them with an alternative version, a patch, or a refund. Assembly Bill 1921 (AB 1921), introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward, is pending hearings and voting. The bill aims to address consumer concerns when online functionality for purchased games is discontinued.
Facts First
- California Assembly Bill 1921 (AB 1921) is pending hearings and voting
- Companies would be required to notify game owners 60 days before ending online services
- After service ends, companies must provide an alternative version, a patch, or a refund
- The bill was introduced by California Assemblymember Chris Ward
What Happened
Assemblymember Chris Ward introduced California Assembly Bill 1921 (AB 1921), a consumer protection law focused on digital games. The bill has not yet gone into effect and is pending hearings and voting. Under the proposed law, companies would be required to communicate to digital game owners 60 days before the cessation of online services. Once an online service ends, companies would be required to provide one of three options: an alternative version of the game, a patch or update to make the game playable, or a refund.
Why this Matters to You
If you purchase digital games, this law could provide you with more certainty about your purchases. You may receive advance notice if a game's online services are shutting down, giving you time to prepare. You could also be entitled to a refund or a functional version of the game you paid for if the online features are removed.
What's Next
The bill is pending hearings and voting in the California legislature. It may face debate and potential amendments before it can become law. If passed, it could set a precedent for consumer rights regarding digital game purchases.