Stop Killing Games: Protect Our Games Act approved in California

The Stop Killing Games movement has scored a major win in California with the approval of the Protect Our Games Act. The legislation is designed to protect gamers’ consumer rights, with the goal of preserving access to purchased games even after server support ends.

What is the Protect Our Games Act?

The Protect Our Games Act, also known as bill AB-1921, is intended to ensure that game companies announce at least 60 days in advance when they plan to shut down servers for server-dependent games. The new law would also require publishers to provide a way for games to remain playable offline or through fan-hosted servers after support ends. Alternatively, they would have to offer refunds to consumers who bought the game.

The legislation arrives at a time when 52 games have already been discontinued in 2026, underscoring the need for protections like these.

Reactions to the legislation

The approval of the Protect Our Games Act has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters point to the need for consumer protection, while critics, including advocacy groups such as the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), warn that the law could force developers to spend more resources maintaining outdated systems. That, they argue, could come at the expense of new and innovative game experiences.

The ESA says many games rely on evolving technologies and that rules like these could make it harder to develop new titles. There are concerns that game development costs could rise, potentially leading to less variety in the games that reach the market.

The future of the Protect Our Games Act

Now that the legislation has been approved by the California State Assembly, it will move on for further discussion in the Senate. That debate is scheduled for June 2026 and is expected to focus on how the law would be implemented and what adjustments may still be needed. The outcome could have major implications for the gaming industry and for how consumers are protected from losing access to their purchases.

The Stop Killing Games movement’s success so far shows growing concern among players about the future of online games and the preservation of digital content. The movement grew out of frustration over the shutdown of server support for games like Ubisoft’s The Crew, which had its servers shut down earlier this year, leaving players without access to both the multiplayer and single-player experience.

With more gamers speaking up, the Protect Our Games Act looks like an important step toward a safer future for game owners. It could also pave the way for similar efforts in other states and possibly even internationally, as demand grows for stronger consumer protections in the games industry.