The Stop Killing Games movement hits another major milestone as a game preservation bill passes California State Assembly vote

The Stop Killing Games Movement Sees a Major Victory with California Bill Passage

The Stop Killing Games movement has achieved a significant victory as the Protect Our Games Act, also known as AB 1921, passed the California State Assembly with a vote of 43 to 16. This marks another crucial step in the global game preservation effort, aimed at ensuring online games remain playable even after their developers or publishers stop supporting them.

According to California State Assembly Member Chris Ward, the bill mandates that game companies provide 60 days' notice before ending support for games that rely on online servers. Additionally, these companies must ensure players can continue to play the game either through an offline mode, community servers, or by offering a refund. The initiative was originally proposed by a constituent in San Diego, who expressed frustration over games becoming inaccessible after recent purchases.

A Strong Year for Stop Killing Games

This victory represents a significant milestone in what has already been a strong year for Stop Killing Games. The movement gained momentum in 2024 after Ubisoft announced the de-listing of its online racing game The Crew, effectively making it unplayable for many. Since then, the organisation has been actively pushing for policy changes to protect gamers' rights.

In April, Ross Scott, founder of Stop Killing Games, and Moritz Katzner presented their case to the European Parliament. The hearing was reportedly well-received by the committee, and a response is expected in the coming weeks. In February, the organisation also announced the launch of NGOs in both the EU and the US to support long-term efforts against game shutdowns.

Next Steps for the Protect Our Games Act

Although the bill has passed the State Assembly, it still needs to be approved by the California State Senate. The next phase will involve building further support for the legislation. However, the bill faces opposition from industry groups, including the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the US' trade association for the video game industry, and the organisers of the now-defunct E3 expo.

Earlier in May, the ESA expressed concerns about the bill, arguing that it could force developers to divert limited time and resources to maintain older systems instead of focusing on creating new games and technology. In response, Stop Killing Games pointed out the parallels with the European debate, highlighting the contrast between grassroots consumer advocacy and industry lobbying that seeks to preserve the right to sell games that may eventually become unplayable.

As the movement continues to gain traction, the Protect Our Games Act could set a precedent for game preservation efforts across the United States and beyond.