The California Bill Aimed at Protecting Gamers
A new bill has been introduced in California that aims to protect gamers by requiring companies such as Ubisoft and Electronic Arts to develop more offline games. This legislation is an expansion of an earlier rule that was designed to safeguard consumers who purchase digital media.
The bill, known as Assembly Bill 1921, was introduced by Assembly member Christopher M. Ward. It mandates that companies selling live-service games must notify users at least 60 days before a service termination date and disclose which online features will no longer be available.
Ward emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, “The bottom line is that when a user is paying $40, $70, $100 or more for a license, they shouldn’t then the next day turn around and see that thing just all of a sudden disappear from their screen.”
If the bill passes, companies would also need to provide guidance to players regarding offline features and availability. In cases where an offline mode is not feasible, publishers would be required to issue full refunds to the players.
However, the bill applies to games purchased on or after January 1, 2027. Additionally, sales of such games will be halted within the final 60 days of the game shutdown.
Rising Tensions in the Gaming Industry
Tensions have increased due to several online-only games being shut down without proper notification to players about the next steps and the future availability of the game.
One notable example is The Crew by Ubisoft, which was shut down in 2024 without warning players that it had an expiration date and would become completely unplayable, even in single-player mode. This led to questions about players’ ownership rights.
A consumer advocacy group has supported related lawsuits for two years. These efforts have brought attention to the issues surrounding game shutdowns and the rights of gamers.
The Stop Killing Games Movement
Stop Killing Games (SKG) is a group started by YouTuber Ross Scott in 2024. The group was formed in response to the sudden shutdown of The Crew and has gathered over 1.4 million signatures in Europe, prompting the European Commission to take action against the company.
Recently, a French consumer group, UFC-Que Choisir, announced a new lawsuit against Ubisoft, which was also supported by SKG.
Opposition from the Gaming Industry
The gaming trade association, Entertainment Software Association, opposes the bill. According to ABC10, the association stated:
“Many games depend on evolving technology, licensed content, and online systems that change over time. Assembly Bill 1921 could force developers to spend limited time and resources keeping old systems running instead of creating new games, features, and technology.”
Ward disagreed with the statement, emphasizing that customers have the right to know “what they got when they signed up for something at a significant cost to themselves,” and argued that it is a fair ask.
The Future of Gaming Legislation
As the debate continues, the implications of this bill extend beyond California, potentially influencing how game companies operate globally. The focus remains on ensuring that gamers are informed and protected, especially when investing significant amounts of money into digital products.
With growing support from advocacy groups and public sentiment, the bill highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the gaming industry.
