ESA Says Bill Pushing For Offline Versions Of Live-Service Games Would Hurt Developers
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is opposing Assembly Bill 1921, newly introduced California legislation that would regulate how developers handle online game shutdowns. Authored by Democratic Assemblymember Chris Ward, the bill requires developers to provide 60 days’ advance notice before discontinuing services for online games. Upon shutdown, developers must offer one of three options: an offline version of the game, a patch enabling offline play, or a full refund to consumers.
The legislation’s goals align with the Stop Killing Games movement, which advocates for game preservation and consumer rights. The movement addresses a significant consumer concern: players lose access to purchased games when developers shut down servers, sometimes resulting in permanent deletion of titles from the market.
The ESA’s opposition reflects industry concerns about implementation costs and operational challenges. The association argues that legislative requirements would burden developers and potentially harm the gaming industry, suggesting worries about technical feasibility, expenses associated with server alternatives, and impacts on business models dependent on ongoing service provision. This dispute highlights a fundamental tension between consumer advocacy for digital ownership and preservation rights versus the industry’s interests in managing infrastructure costs and service-dependent revenue models.