Stop Killing Games-backed bill that’d bar publishers from switching off game servers without thinking of players passes California State Assembly vote
California’s State Assembly has approved AB 1921, a bill backed by the Stop Killing Games campaign that aims to protect players when publishers shut down game servers. The proposed legislation would require developers and publishers to either provide full refunds to players or offer them a version of the game that can be played independently of online servers when choosing to discontinue server support.
The bill represents a significant step toward protecting digital game preservation and consumer rights in the state. As it advances to the California State Senate, it continues to face opposition from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the industry trade group representing major game publishers.
The Stop Killing Games campaign has long advocated for player protection in an industry where online games frequently become unplayable once publishers decide to shut down their servers. This bill addresses a growing concern among gamers and consumer advocates about the loss of access to digital products they’ve purchased, particularly for online-dependent games.
The legislation would fundamentally change how publishers handle server shutdowns by making them responsible for ensuring continued playability. Rather than simply removing servers and rendering games unplayable, publishers would need to plan for their games’ longevity or offer compensation to affected players.
If enacted, AB 1921 would make California the first U.S. state to implement such protections, potentially setting a precedent for consumer protection in the gaming industry.