California lawmakers are advancing a significant piece of legislation aimed at preserving access to online games. The proposed bill, known as the Protect Our Games Act, is currently set for a floor vote in the California State Assembly, marking a crucial step towards potential enactment.
Legislative Background
Introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward in February 2026, the Protect Our Games Act has successfully navigated through several committees, including the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Appropriations Committee, as of May 14. This progression indicates strong legislative support for the bill, which has garnered input from Stop Killing Games, a group dedicated to game preservation.
Key Provisions of the Bill
If enacted, the Protect Our Games Act would require game publishers or digital game operators to notify players at least 60 days in advance before discontinuing services essential for the normal operation of a digital game. Furthermore, it mandates that publishers must either provide a full refund, a software patch to maintain playability, or a standalone version of the game that operates independently of the publisher’s servers.
Importantly, the law would not apply to free-to-play games or those available solely through subscription models. It would also only affect titles released after January 1, 2027, emphasizing a forward-looking approach to game ownership and access.
Context and Industry Response
This legislative effort addresses a pressing issue in modern gaming: the reality that players do not fully own their digital games, particularly those reliant on online services. The bill’s momentum follows incidents like the removal of The Crew, an open-world racing game from Ubisoft, which was delisted and rendered unplayable once support ceased. This situation catalyzed the formation of Stop Killing Games, which advocates for similar protections in the EU and UK.
Moritz Katzner, General Director of European Affairs for Stop Killing Games, expressed optimism about the bill’s progress, noting the rapid advancements since the group’s establishment in the U.S. last year. While the bill still faces hurdles in the California State Assembly and Senate, its current trajectory is promising.
Industry Adjustments
In response to the challenges posed by online game discontinuation, some publishers are beginning to adapt. Following the issues surrounding The Crew, Ubisoft implemented an offline mode for The Crew 2 in October 2025, ensuring that players can still access the game even after online support ends.
As the Protect Our Games Act moves closer to a vote, it represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about digital ownership and the future of online gaming.
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
