What is this?
The Protect Our Games Act is California Assembly Bill 1921 (AB 1921), introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward and officially backed by the Stop Killing Games advocacy movement. The legislation mandates that publishers of server-connected video games provide 60 days' notice before shutting down online services and either release an offline patch or offer a full refund to consumers.
Key provisions and details include:
Basically, it keeps gaming companies from selling us games they can later pull the plug on and render them useless.
The Protect Our Games Act is California Assembly Bill 1921 (AB 1921), introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward and officially backed by the Stop Killing Games advocacy movement. The legislation mandates that publishers of server-connected video games provide 60 days' notice before shutting down online services and either release an offline patch or offer a full refund to consumers.
Key provisions and details include:
- Effective Date: The rules apply to games published for sale on or after January 1, 2027.
- Sales Ban: Publishers are prohibited from selling, leasing, or distributing the game two months before its end-of-life date.
- Consumer Transparency: Notifications must be sent both in-game and via the publisher’s website, detailing disabled features, security risks, and technical requirements for offline play.
- Exemptions: The bill does not apply to subscription-based services, free-to-play titles, or games designed to function fully offline from launch.
- Enforcement: Violations can be prosecuted by the California Attorney General or district attorneys in civil court.
Basically, it keeps gaming companies from selling us games they can later pull the plug on and render them useless.
