California Assembly Advances Bill Requiring Refunds or Updates for Shut Down Online Games

TL;DR: California’s Assembly appropriations committee passed a bill that would force publishers to refund players or provide a playable version when they shut down online games. The measure now heads to a floor vote.

Context: When Ubisoft shut down The Crew’s servers in 2024, thousands of players found themselves locked out of games they had bought. The Protect Our Games Act grew out of that frustration, aiming to ensure purchasers retain access when online services end. Stop Killing Games, a UK‑based advocacy group that launched a US branch shortly before Christmas, helped shape the bill’s language and was consulted by Assemblyman Chris Ward during drafting. Industry lobbyists from the Entertainment Software Association have opposed the measure, arguing it could disrupt live‑service business models. The committee’s 11‑2 vote sent the bill to the full Assembly for debate.

Key Facts: Under the act, any publisher that ends support for an online game sold in California must either give a full refund or release a version that works without the publisher’s servers. Publishers must also give players at least 60 days’ notice before terminating essential services. The rule exempts games that are free to play or offered solely for the length of a subscription, and it would apply to titles sold in the state on or after January 1, 2027, if the law passes. Monitz Katzner of Stop Killing Games said he did not expect the bill to advance so quickly after helping set up the group’s US branch shortly before Christmas.

What It Means: If enacted, the legislation would create a legal standard for preserving access to purchased digital games, potentially encouraging other states to consider similar rules. Developers might need to allocate resources for offline modes or refund systems, which could influence pricing and design decisions for new live‑service launches. Legal experts note that the law could face challenges on grounds of interstate commerce or freedom of contract, though supporters argue it protects consumer rights. The outcome may also affect how publishers structure subscription‑only offerings to avoid the rule’s scope. Preservation advocates see the bill as a step toward treating digital purchases like physical media, where resale or continued use is expected after a product’s commercial life ends.

What to watch next: The full Assembly’s vote, expected in the coming weeks, will decide whether the Protect Our Games Act proceeds to the Senate and ultimately to the governor’s desk for signature. Observers will also watch for any amendments that address industry concerns about cost or scope, and for potential legal challenges should the bill become law.