California bill pushing to keep games playable after server shutdowns passes key hurdle, paving way for full assembly vote
A California bill focused on game preservation has passed a key legislative milestone. The measure, backed by the Stop Killing Games campaign, was approved by a state committee tasked with evaluating the fiscal impact of proposed legislation, moving it closer to becoming state law.
The bill would require game studios to either keep games playable after server shutdowns occur or provide full refunds to consumers. This addresses a significant concern within the gaming industry: the loss of access to digital games when publishers decide to discontinue online services.
The Entertainment Software Association, which represents major video game publishers, has already stated its opposition to the bill. While the committee approval represents meaningful progress for game preservation advocates, additional legislative hurdles remain. The bill must pass a full assembly vote before becoming law, but the Stop Killing Games campaign has declared the advance a significant early victory.