California Assembly Advances “Protect Our Games Act” to Shield Digital Consumer Rights

The California State Assembly has reached a significant legislative milestone in the ongoing debate over digital ownership and game preservation. On May 27, 2026, lawmakers passed AB 1921, widely known as the “Protect Our Games Act,” in a 43 to 16 vote. The bill aims to redefine the relationship between digital game publishers and consumers, specifically addressing concerns regarding the accessibility of games after service termination.

Addressing the “Stop Killing Games” Movement

The legislative push follows years of growing frustration within the gaming community, often spearheaded by the “Stop Killing Games” movement. The controversy gained widespread attention in 2024 when Ubisoft discontinued its racing title, The Crew. By shutting down server operations, the publisher rendered the game effectively unplayable for those who had purchased it, sparking a broader conversation about whether consumers are buying a permanent product or merely a temporary license to access a service.

Advocates, including movement leader Ross Scott, have argued that publishers should be required to provide a minimal playable environment for games even after official support ends. If maintaining accessibility is technically impossible, proponents suggest that companies should offer clear compensation to consumers to mitigate the loss of their purchase.

What the Protect Our Games Act Requires

AB 1921 represents one of the first formal attempts to codify these consumer demands into law. If enacted, the bill would impose new transparency requirements on digital game publishers. Key provisions include:

• Mandatory Notification: Companies selling digital games released or resold after January 1, 2027, must provide at least 60 days’ notice before terminating service for a game.
• Accessibility Standards: The bill seeks to ensure that publishers maintain an environment where titles remain accessible to users, directly challenging the “server-side” kill switches that have previously removed games from user libraries.

Key Takeaways

• Legislative Progress: The California State Assembly passed AB 1921 with a vote of 43 to 16.
• Consumer Focus: The bill is designed to prevent publishers from unilaterally disabling access to purchased digital content.
• Future Impact: The law, if finalized, will apply to games released or resold starting January 1, 2027.

Looking Ahead

The passage of the Protect Our Games Act in the Assembly signals a shift toward institutionalizing digital preservation. As the industry continues to grapple with the transition from physical media to service-based digital models, this legislation may set a precedent for how other states and jurisdictions handle digital property rights. For now, the bill marks a critical step for gamers who have long campaigned for the right to retain access to the digital goods they purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Protect Our Games Act?

It is a legislative effort in California (AB 1921) intended to protect consumers by ensuring digital game publishers provide notice and maintain access to games after the company decides to shut down servers.

When does this law take effect?

The bill’s requirements regarding notice and accessibility would apply to digital games released or resold on or after January 1, 2027.

Why was this bill introduced?

The legislation is a direct response to the “Stop Killing Games” movement, which emerged after high-profile instances of publishers shutting down servers and effectively removing access to purchased games.