California lawmakers are working on a bill to preserve access to online games

California lawmakers are advancing the ‘Protect Our Games Act,’ which would require game publishers to warn players at least 60 days before discontinuing online services, and to offer refunds or alternative access options. The bill, currently moving toward a full Assembly vote, aims to protect consumers from losing access to digital games due to server shutdowns, a growing concern in the gaming industry.

The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward in February 2026, has cleared the Privacy and Consumer Protection, Judiciary, and Appropriations Committees as of May 14. It mandates that digital game operators notify players at least 60 days before ending online services for supported titles released after January 1, 2027. These operators would be required to offer either a full refund, a software patch enabling offline play, or a version of the game that does not depend on server support. The law would exclude free games and subscription-only titles.

The legislation responds to the issue of game ownership in the digital age, where players often rely on server infrastructure that can be discontinued, rendering games unplayable. This problem gained attention after the delisting and removal of Ubisoft’s ‘The Crew,’ which prompted the creation of Stop Killing Games, a preservation group advising on the bill. The group expressed satisfaction with the bill’s progress, noting it was unexpected to see such advancement so quickly.

Why It Matters

This legislation could significantly impact how game publishers handle online services and digital ownership rights. If enacted, it would set a precedent for consumer protection in the gaming industry, potentially influencing other states and countries to adopt similar measures. It addresses a core issue of digital ownership, where players often find themselves unable to access purchased content once servers are shut down, raising questions about ownership rights and consumer protection in the digital era.

Background

Concerns about game preservation and ownership have grown as more titles rely heavily on online infrastructure. The controversy intensified after Ubisoft’s ‘The Crew’ was removed from stores and players’ libraries in 2025, despite being a paid product. In response, Ubisoft added an offline mode to ‘The Crew 2’ in October 2025, allowing access without server support. The bill’s development reflects a broader industry and consumer push for accountability and preservation of digital content.

“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 reviewing the bill and will comment further when appropriate.”

— Unspecified industry representative (contacted by Engadget)

What Remains Unclear

It remains unclear how the bill will be received in the full Assembly and Senate, or whether it will face opposition from industry groups. Details about how enforcement will be handled and whether publishers will comply voluntarily are still developing. The impact on free-to-play and subscription-based games also remains uncertain, as these are explicitly excluded from the bill.

What’s Next

The bill will next be considered by the full California State Assembly, with a scheduled vote expected in the coming weeks. If approved, it will move to the State Senate for further review. Stakeholders, including industry groups and consumer advocates, will likely continue negotiations and lobbying efforts. The final step would be signing into law by the governor, which is not yet confirmed.

Key Questions

What types of games would be affected by this bill?

The bill would apply to paid digital games released on or after January 1, 2027, that rely on online services. It would not cover free-to-play or subscription-only titles.

What protections does the bill require from publishers?

Publishers would need to notify players at least 60 days before shutting down online services and offer either a full refund, an offline version, or a patch that makes the game playable without server support.

Could this legislation influence other states or countries?

If enacted, it could set a precedent encouraging similar laws elsewhere, potentially shaping industry practices around digital ownership and preservation.

What are the main challenges for passing this bill?

Potential opposition from industry groups and questions about enforcement and scope, especially regarding free-to-play and subscription-based games, could pose challenges.