California’s “Protect Our Games Act” Advances: A Step Towards Game Preservation
California lawmakers are making significant strides with the proposed “Protect Our Games Act,” which aims to ensure continued access to online games even after they are no longer actively supported by publishers. This legislation is currently set to be voted on by the California State Assembly, marking a crucial step toward potential enactment into law.
Key Provisions of the Bill
If passed, the Protect Our Games Act would obligate game publishers, referred to as “digital game operators,” to notify players at least 60 days prior to the cessation of services critical for the normal use of digital games. Publishers would then be required to offer one of the following options to affected players:
- A full refund of the original purchase price.
- A software patch to keep the game playable.
- A version of the game that operates independently of the publisher’s services.
It is important to note that this law would not apply to free-to-play games or those available solely through subscription models. Additionally, the bill is aimed specifically at titles released on or after January 1, 2027.
Addressing Game Ownership Concerns
The Protect Our Games Act highlights a pressing issue in the modern gaming landscape: the lack of true ownership for digital games. Many players find that their access to purchased games is contingent upon server support from publishers. Once a publisher decides to discontinue this support, the game often becomes unplayable, effectively rendering it obsolete. A notable example of this is Ubisoft’s open-world racing game, The Crew, which was removed from digital storefronts and players’ libraries, illustrating the precarious nature of digital game ownership.
The advocacy group Stop Killing Games, which has been pushing for similar protections in Europe and the UK, played a key role in advising on the creation of this bill. The initiative was partly inspired by the removal of The Crew, underscoring the urgent need for legislation that protects gamers’ rights.
Legislative Progress
Introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward in February 2026, the Protect Our Games Act has successfully passed through several committees, including the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Appropriations Committee. As of May 14, it is poised for a full vote in the Assembly.
Moritz Katzner, General Director for European Affairs at Stop Killing Games, expressed optimism about the bill’s rapid progress, stating, “Back shortly before Christmas, when I flew to the US to help set up SKG-US, I didn’t expect us to get this far this quickly.”
Future Implications
While the bill still faces several legislative hurdles before it can be signed into law, its advancement signals a growing recognition of the need for game preservation and consumer rights within the gaming industry. Interestingly, in response to the backlash following the The Crew incident, Ubisoft has taken steps to improve its handling of online games. The company introduced an offline mode for The Crew 2 in October 2025, ensuring continued access even after online support ends.
As the Protect Our Games Act moves forward, it could set a precedent for similar initiatives across the United States and potentially influence global gaming policies. The outcome of this legislation could significantly reshape the landscape of digital game ownership and preservation, providing gamers with more control and access to their purchased titles.
