Stop Killing Games throw weight behind California bill that would force companies to either keep games working independently after server shutdowns or issue refunds
Stop Killing Games, an advocacy group dedicated to preserving playable online games, has announced support for proposed California legislation that would address the persistent problem of games becoming unplayable after server shutdowns. The bill, in its current form, would require video game companies to either maintain their games in a playable state after service termination or provide full refunds to consumers.
The campaign group framed this as a consumer protection measure, highlighting the growing issue of digital games becoming permanently inaccessible when publishers decide to discontinue server infrastructure. Rather than forcing indefinite server maintenance costs on studios, the legislation offers a compromise: developers can choose between keeping games functional through independent operation or offering financial compensation to players who purchased the product.
Beyond California, Stop Killing Games indicated that their efforts to establish similar protections in the United Kingdom remain active. The movement reported recent engagement with government, noting they were invited to advise the UK’s Department for Culture, Media & Sport on the matter, suggesting regulatory interest in game preservation at an international level.
The initiative reflects broader industry concerns about digital ownership and the permanence of purchased games. As the gaming industry increasingly shifts toward live-service models with ongoing server requirements, questions about consumer rights and long-term game preservation have intensified.