Stop Killing Games gains ground as California's Protect Our Games Act advances to State Senate

A California bill aimed at protecting players from sudden game shutdowns has advanced after passing the State Assembly. AB-1921, known as the Protect Our Games Act, received a 43-16 vote, with strong Democratic support and two Republican backers. The legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward, requires publishers to provide at least 60 days’ notice before terminating server-dependent games and offers refunds or alternative access, such as community-run servers or offline modes. The bill originated from a San Diego constituent frustrated by recent game delistings and now moves to the State Senate for further debate. Ward urged California residents to contact senators to support the measure, emphasizing its importance for gamers and developers alike. The Stop Killing Games movement, launched by YouTuber Ross Scott in April 2024 after Ubisoft announced plans to shut down *The Crew*, has gained momentum. The campaign cites examples like *Concord*, *Anthem*, and *Highguard* as recent titles affected by publisher shutdowns. In Europe, the movement’s initiative surpassed 1.4 million signatures, prompting discussions among politicians on game preservation. While the California bill advances, challenges remain. Publishers continue to delist games, with Sony shutting down *Destruction AllStars* and 2K removing *Lego 2K Drive* from sale. Ward acknowledged the need for broader action to ensure long-term game accessibility, as the industry trends toward discontinuing titles post-launch.