The California House of Representatives passed Bill AB 1921, Protection of our Games Act, by 43 votes to 16, on 27 May, local time. The bill is of great interest because of the support of the Game Protection Organization, Stop Killing Games. The next step will be submitted to the California Senate for consideration.
Act AB 1921 obliges digital game operators to fulfil their duty to protect the game. Operators are required to maintain an environment in which the player can continue to play, even after the game is closed; if this condition cannot be met, the player must be refunded.
The Act applies only to digital games issued or resold on or after 1 January 2027. However, the services that provide access to the game during the subscription period, free games and games that could otherwise be offline indefinitely are excluded.
Act AB 1921 provides that a digital operator must give 60 days ‘ notice before a game is closed, after which alternative versions or patches/updates must be provided to create an environment for the purchaser to continue to play. If this is not possible, it must be refunded. In addition, the operator will be prohibited from continuing to sell, rent or distribute the game once the game service has ceased to function as a result.
The bill has received considerable attention with the support of the Stop Killing Game, known as SKG. The bill was proposed by California State Congressman Chris Ward, and allegedly SKG was involved in its drafting.
The bill was adopted by the California Appropriations Board on 14 May and presented to the plenary for consideration. Bill AB 1921, though currently passed by the House of Representatives, needs to be signed by the Governor of California if it is to enter into force as a law and before it is passed by the Senate.
SKG stated at the Overseas Forum Reddit that, while the passage of the House of Representatives was a major step, the fate of the bill was in the hands of the Senate and called on supporters to lobby the House of Lords. California, with a population of about 40 million, is home to large game companies such as EA and the Mob. Once the bill is in place, its impact may be felt. Whether the bill would also receive support in the upper house is a matter of concern.
