“The industry wants people to think this is a demand for eternal server support … it isn’t” - E3 owner and Stop Killing Games clash over Californian games bill
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the video game trade body and owner of E3, is opposing California’s proposed AB 1921 bill, which aims to protect consumers by requiring either offline game versions or refunds when online games become unplayable after server shutdowns. The legislation has been endorsed by Stop Killing Games, a consumer rights campaign that has grown from a grassroots effort into an internationally recognized movement with support from NGOs and presentations to the European Parliament.
The ESA argues that the bill doesn’t reflect how modern games actually function and could prevent the creation of new games, features, and technology. The industry body contends that strict rules around server shutdowns could ultimately mean fewer innovative experiences for players. However, Stop Killing Games disputes this narrative, arguing that the proposal is not as economically burdensome as the industry suggests.
The conflict highlights the tension between consumer protection and industry interests in the gaming sector. Stop Killing Games’ core argument centers on game preservation and consumer rights—ensuring that digital game purchases retain value even after publishers discontinue server support. As AB 1921 works through California’s legislative process, the debate between commercial interests and player protection continues to intensify, with potential implications for how the industry manages service discontinuation across North America and beyond.
Sources
- “The industry wants people to think this is a demand for eternal server support … it isn’t” - E3 owner and Stop Killing Games clash over Californian games bill
- Game industry lobby group that argued against preservation efforts from libraries is now pushing back on Stop Killing Games, saying it could prevent ’new games, features, and technology’
- California bill pushing to keep games playable after server shutdowns “doesn’t reflect how games actually work”, ESA assert