California bill could save gamers from losing access to online titles forever

California has taken a step to protect gamers from losing access to online titles. The State Assembly passed the Protect Our Games Act (AB 1921) by 43 votes to 16. The bill aims to keep games playable even after official support ends. The legislation was first proposed by a resident of San Diego. Backed by advocacy group Stop Killing Games, it requires companies to give 60 days’ notice before shutting down online servers. If no alternative is provided, players must receive a refund.

Stop Killing Games was founded in 2024 and presented its case to the European Parliament in April 2025. The group argues that gamers should not lose access to purchased titles when developers move on. Companies must either offer an offline mode, support community-run servers, or refund players. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), representing major game publishers, opposes the bill. It claims the rules could divert resources away from developing new games. Stop Killing Games dismissed this argument, framing the debate as a clash between consumer rights and industry lobbying. The bill now moves to the California State Senate for further consideration.

If approved by the Senate, the Protect Our Games Act would force companies to maintain access to online-dependent titles. Players would either keep playing through alternative means or get their money back. The outcome could set a precedent for similar laws elsewhere.