California is moving forward with the 'Protect Our Games Act,' a bill aimed at preventing game publishers from shutting down online games that consumers have purchased. The legislation would require publishers to keep games playable, even after they stop official support.
In a statement, advocacy group SKG argued that no other industry can sell a product and then take it away without notice. They said end-of-life procedures are essential to ensure consumers get what they paid for.
The Entertainment Software Association opposes the bill, claiming consumers only purchase a license to access a game, not the game itself. They argue shutdowns of outdated games are a "natural feature of modern software" and that indefinite support would force publishers into impossible licensing negotiations.
The bill has cleared two California Assembly committees. It must now pass the full Assembly and the Senate before reaching Governor Gavin Newsom's desk.
This progress in California offers hope for the Stop Killing Games movement, which has seen momentum stall in the UK.