California Approves Stop Killing Games Proposal to Ensure Access to Video Games After Support Ends

The California State Assembly has approved the Protect Our Games Act, the bill AB 1921 supported by the Stop Killing Games movement, focusing on consumer rights protection in the gaming industry. The proposal passed the Assembly vote with 43 votes in favor and 16 against.

The movement for the preservation of video games emerged after Ubisoft's decision to shut down the servers for The Crew last March. Being a always-online title, the server shutdown made it impossible to access both multiplayer and single-player modes. The situation sparked further controversy when Ubisoft began revoking game licenses from users, permanently removing it from their digital libraries and preventing any attempts at restoration through private servers.

The Stop Killing Games initiative demands that publishers ensure the ability to continue using video games even after official support ceases. The proposal states that at the end of service, offline versions of games should be made available or refunds provided for buyers.

Additional Details on the Stop Killing Games Initiative

The bill has now moved to the California Senate, where it will require further public and political support to continue its legislative process. If ultimately approved, it would require gaming companies to notify players in advance of the shutdown of online services and to offer a solution that allows for continued use of purchased games, whether through offline modes, community-managed servers, or other viable options.

However, the initiative has faced opposition from parts of the industry. Video Games Europe, an organization representing companies like Ubisoft, Take-Two, Warner Bros., Riot Games, Activision Blizzard, Microsoft, and Nintendo, has argued that such measures could make video games too costly to develop.

The ESA has also expressed criticism, stating that many games rely on evolving technologies, licensed content, and online systems that are meant to change over time. According to the association, AB 1921 risks forcing developers to allocate resources toward maintaining old systems instead of investing in new games and innovations. For its part, Stop Killing Games argues that the issue pertains to consumer protection and the right to continue using purchased products.