California Assembly Passes Stop Killing Games Bill
The bill's narrow scope-applying only to new or re-released titles from 2027 onward-means it will not affect the vast library of existing online games, but it sets a legal precedent for consumer protections in digital game preservation.
Reporting from 3 sources: 4Gamer.net, GameBusiness.jp, Game Spark.
The California State Assembly passed the "Stop Killing Games" bill, also called the Game Protection Bill, on May 27. The vote was 43 in favor, 16 against, and 21 absent. The bill targets digital games first sold or re-released on or after January 1, 2027, leaving existing online games unaffected. It requires game companies to notify players at least 60 days before terminating server-dependent games. After service ends, companies must provide an alternative version, patch, or update to purchasers, or offer a full refund. The bill also prohibits the sale, rental, or distribution of game versions that cannot function without the operator's managed services. The legislation now moves to the California State Senate for further deliberation and voting.
The Game Protection Bill, part of the broader Stop Killing Games movement, cleared the California State Assembly on May 27 with a 43-16 vote and 21 abstentions. The legislation applies exclusively to digital games first sold or re-released on or after January 1, 2027, explicitly excluding all existing online titles from its requirements. Under the bill, companies must give players at least 60 days' notice before shutting down server-dependent games. After service termination, they must either provide a functional alternative version, patch, or update, or issue a full refund to purchasers. The bill also bans the sale, rental, or distribution of game versions that cannot operate without the operator's managed services. The bill now heads to the California State Senate for consideration.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 3 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.