Stop Killing Games Movement Wins Key California Assembly Vote on Server Shutdown Bill
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
California bill AB 1921, backed by the Stop Killing Games campaign, has passed the State Assembly. If enacted, it would require publishers to provide offline modes, independent servers, or refunds when shutting down online games.
The player-backed pushback against digital obsolescence just scored a major legislative win. As originally reported by Rock Paper Shotgun, California bill AB 1921 has successfully cleared a full vote in the state assembly with a 43 to 16 margin. Backed by the grassroots Stop Killing Games campaign, the proposed legislation tackles a frustrating reality of modern digital ownership. If fully enacted, the bill would force publishers to provide functional offline modes, independent server support, or consumer refunds when they decide to pull the plug on online games.
Opposition from heavy hitters like the Entertainment Software Association highlights how much is at stake for traditional publishing models. For years, players across console, PC, and cloud platforms have watched their purchased libraries evaporate when live service titles reach their end of life. This includes high profile casualties like Ubisoft's The Crew, which left paying customers with completely bricked software. AB 1921 aims to shift that balance back toward the community, ensuring that digital purchases retain some form of lasting utility rather than disappearing at the whim of corporate server costs.
The bill now moves to the California State Senate for its next major test. Campaign organizers are actively urging players to contact local senators to keep the momentum going before the legislation reaches the governor's desk. Meanwhile, parallel efforts are underway in Europe, where a similar petition is awaiting a formal response from the European Commission. If these initiatives succeed, they could fundamentally alter how the gaming industry handles digital preservation and player rights on a global scale.
Tags: Stop Killing Games, California, Digital Ownership, Industry News, PC Gaming
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun