California Bill Would Require Refunds or Offline Access When Online Games Shut Down
Similar Articles
California Bill Would Require Game Companies to Provide Options Before Ending Online Services
Consumer Rights Advocates Address EU Parliament on Game Preservation and Age Verification Laws
European Parliament Hearing Examines Legal Protections for Games After Service Shutdowns
Lego 2K Drive Delisted as Stop Killing Games Initiative Gains Traction
PlayStation Digital Games Require Periodic Online Check for New Purchases
A California bill aimed at protecting players' access to purchased online games has advanced to a full legislative vote. The Protect Our Games Act would require publishers to either refund players or provide an offline-capable version when shutting down essential online services. If passed, the law would apply to games sold in California starting in 2027.
Facts First
- The Protect Our Games Act has passed out of the California Assembly's appropriations committee and is scheduled for a full floor vote.
- The bill would require publishers to provide a full refund or an offline-capable update when ceasing support for an online game.
- Publishers would need to notify players 60 days in advance before ending services necessary for ordinary game use.
- The act would not apply to completely free games or games offered only for the duration of a subscription.
- The law would take effect for games sold in California on or after January 1, 2027, if passed.
What Happened
The Protect Our Games Act has passed out of the California Assembly's appropriations committee and is scheduled for a floor vote by the full legislative body. The bill proposes new requirements for digital game publishers who decide to cease support for an online game.
Why this Matters to You
If you purchase a digital game in California after 2027, you may have more security for your investment. Should the publisher later shut down the online servers required to play it, you could be entitled to a full refund or receive an updated version of the game that works independently of the publisher's servers. This could protect you from losing access to games you've paid for and reduce the financial risk of buying online-only titles.
What's Next
The bill will proceed to a vote by the full California legislative body. If passed and signed into law, its provisions would apply to games offered for sale in California on or after January 1, 2027.