TL;DR
California lawmakers are moving forward with the ‘Protect Our Games Act,’ which would require publishers to warn players before discontinuing online services and offer options to preserve access. The bill is now scheduled for a full Assembly vote after passing several committees. Its passage could significantly impact game ownership rights.
California lawmakers are advancing the ‘Protect Our Games Act,’ which would require game publishers or digital operators to notify players at least 60 days before discontinuing online services, and to offer refunds or alternative access options. The bill is currently set for a full vote in the California State Assembly after passing through several committees, marking a significant step toward potential legislation that could reshape digital game ownership rights.
The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward in February 2026, is designed to address the issue of game ownership in the digital age, where many titles rely on server-based online support. If enacted, it would require publishers to warn players at least 60 days before ending online services for games released on or after January 1, 2027. During this period, players would have options including refunds, patches to keep the game playable offline, or access to a version that functions independently of server support.
The legislation excludes free games and titles accessible only through subscriptions. It also does not apply retroactively to older games. The bill’s progress through the California Assembly’s committees—Privacy and Consumer Protection, Judiciary, and Appropriations—has been seen as promising, with the next step being a full Assembly vote. The law aims to combat the common industry practice of delisting and removing games from digital stores once support ends, exemplified by Ubisoft’s removal of The Crew from stores after discontinuing its online features.
Why It Matters
If passed, the ‘Protect Our Games Act’ could fundamentally change how digital game ownership is understood, requiring publishers to be transparent about service discontinuation and to provide options for players to retain access. This could set a precedent for other states or countries to implement similar protections, impacting the business models of game publishers and the rights of consumers. The legislation also highlights ongoing concerns about the durability of digital ownership in an era where game servers can be shut down at publishers’ discretion.
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Background
The bill arises amid growing awareness of the fragility of digital ownership rights, especially as popular online games are increasingly dependent on server infrastructure. Notably, Ubisoft’s removal of The Crew from digital stores in 2025 after ending online support prompted advocacy efforts by groups like Stop Killing Games, which campaigns for game preservation and consumer rights. The group advised on the legislation and expressed satisfaction with its progress, reflecting broader industry and consumer concern over game longevity and ownership.
“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 Affairs Director
“We are reviewing the bill and will provide a formal response soon.”
— Unspecified industry representative (contacted for comment)
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What Remains Unclear
It is still unclear whether the bill will pass the California Assembly and Senate, or how industry stakeholders will respond. The specifics of enforcement and potential legal challenges remain to be seen, and there may be amendments during the legislative process.
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What’s Next
The bill is scheduled for a full vote in the California Assembly, after which it would move to the State Senate. If approved there, it would proceed to the governor’s desk for signing. Industry groups are likely to continue lobbying against or modifying the bill, and further legal or political developments could influence its final form.
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Key Questions
What exactly would the ‘Protect Our Games Act’ require publishers to do?
The bill would require publishers to notify players at least 60 days before ending online services for supported games released after January 1, 2027, and offer refunds or options to preserve access, such as patches or offline versions.
Does this law apply to all games?
No, it applies only to games released on or after January 1, 2027, and excludes free games or those only accessible via subscriptions.
Could this legislation impact game publishers’ business models?
Yes, it may require publishers to alter their discontinuation practices, potentially increasing costs or changing how they handle online support and game lifecycle management.
What happens if the bill is not passed?
Absent legislative approval, the current industry practices of removing support or delisting games will likely continue without mandated disclosures or refunds.
