TL;DR
California lawmakers are progressing a bill that would require game publishers to notify players before shutting down online services and offer options to retain access. The bill is currently moving through legislative committees and could become law, marking a significant step in game ownership rights.
California lawmakers are advancing the ‘Protect Our Games Act,’ a bill that would require game publishers to notify players at least 60 days before discontinuing online services and provide options to retain access, such as refunds or offline versions. This development marks a significant step toward addressing issues of game ownership and preservation.
The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward in February 2026, is now moving through the California legislative process after passing the Privacy and Consumer Protection, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees. If enacted, it would obligate digital game operators to warn players at least 60 days before ending online services for titles released on or after January 1, 2027.
The law would require publishers to either offer a full refund, provide a software patch enabling offline play, or deliver a version of the game that does not depend on server support. It would exclude free-to-play games and titles accessible only via subscription. The bill is seen as a response to the growing issue of game de-listing and server shutdowns, exemplified by Ubisoft’s removal of The Crew from stores after ceasing online support.
Stop Killing Games, a group advocating for game preservation, advised on the bill’s creation and expressed satisfaction with its progress. The group highlighted that the bill aims to secure players’ access to their games amid ongoing industry practices that often leave players unable to access purchased content once servers are shut down.
Why It Matters
This legislation could reshape how game ownership is understood and protected, especially for live service games that rely on ongoing server support. If passed, it would set a precedent for consumer rights in digital game ownership and could influence industry practices worldwide, addressing a core issue of digital ownership and game preservation.
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Background
The bill emerges amid increasing industry instances of server shutdowns and game delistings, such as Ubisoft’s The Crew, which was removed from stores after support ended. The issue gained prominence with the creation of Stop Killing Games, which advocates for preserving access to games even after support ends. The industry has shown some movement, with Ubisoft adding offline modes to The Crew 2 in October 2025, but no comprehensive legal protections previously existed.
Legislative efforts like this reflect broader concerns about digital ownership rights and the longevity of digital content, with similar debates ongoing in the EU and UK, where groups like Stop Killing Games have also pushed for protections.
“Back shortly before Christmas, when I flew to the US to help set up SKG-US, I didn’t expect us to get this far this quickly.”
— Moritz Katzner, Stop Killing Games’ European Director
“We are monitoring the bill closely and will comment once we review its provisions more thoroughly.”
— Unattributed industry source (contacted by Engadget)
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What Remains Unclear
It is still unclear how the bill will be received in the full Assembly or Senate, or whether it will face significant opposition. The specifics of enforcement and how publishers will implement these requirements remain to be clarified as the legislative process continues.
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What’s Next
The bill is scheduled for a full Assembly vote, after which it must pass the State Senate and be signed into law by the governor. Industry stakeholders and advocacy groups will likely continue negotiations and public discussions. The outcome will determine whether similar protections are adopted in other states or at the federal level.
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Key Questions
What exactly would the bill require from game publishers?
The bill would require publishers to notify players at least 60 days before ending online services for supported titles, and offer options such as refunds, offline patches, or versions of the game that do not rely on server support.
Would this law apply to all online games?
No, it would only apply to titles released on or after January 1, 2027, and exclude free-to-play games or those accessible only via subscription.
How might this legislation impact the gaming industry?
If enacted, it could pressure publishers to maintain online access or provide offline alternatives, potentially increasing costs and altering business models for live service games.
Is similar legislation being considered elsewhere?
While the bill is specific to California, advocacy groups like Stop Killing Games are pushing for similar protections in the EU and UK, though legislative progress outside California is uncertain.
