California Clears First U.S. Bill to Protect Video Game Access and Preservation
California's 'Protect Our Games Act' clears a key committee, advancing game preservation law.
Why it matters: Legal professionals advising on intellectual property and digital preservation should note this bill sets precedent on the duty of game publishers to maintain server-dependent games. It highlights emerging legal challenges at the intersection of digital rights, consumer protection, and cultural heritage in gaming.
- Stop Killing Games (SKG) movement began in April 2024 after Ubisoft ended servers for 'The Crew'.
- California Assemblymember Chris Ward introduced the 'Protect Our Games Act' in April 2026.
- In May 2026, the bill advanced through a key California Assembly committee, the first U.S. SKG-inspired legislative progress.
- The Entertainment Software Association opposes, citing possible harm to innovation and resources.
The Stop Killing Games (SKG) movement formed in April 2024 after Ubisoft shut down servers for 'The Crew,' a single-player game requiring constant internet connection. SKG criticized this as a form of "planned obsolescence," meaning games lose usability due to server shutdowns, raising legal and cultural preservation concerns.
By July 2025, SKG's European Citizens' Initiative gathered over 1.4 million signatures, compelling the European Commission to address the issue (PC Gamer).
Inspired by this momentum, California Assemblymember Chris Ward introduced the 'Protect Our Games Act' in April 2026. It requires publishers to disclose the expected support duration for games reliant on online servers, effectively imposing transparency and accountability obligations.
In May 2026, the bill passed a key California State Assembly committee, marking the first legislative success aligned with SKG in the U.S. (TechDirt).
Opponents like the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) warn that mandatory long-term support may reduce resources for developing new games and technologies, creating tension between consumer rights and innovation incentives.
Supporters including developers such as Owlcat Games emphasize consumer rights, stating "Every player deserves lasting access to what they've paid for." For legal professionals, this legislation foregrounds emerging issues at the nexus of intellectual property, contract obligations, consumer protection, and digital heritage preservation.
Corporate legal teams should monitor this evolving landscape as similar laws may arise, potentially affecting licensing agreements, liability for game access, and digital rights management practices.
By the numbers:
- 1.4 million signatures — SKG's European Citizens' Initiative as of July 2025.
- April 2026 — Introduction date of the California 'Protect Our Games Act.'
- May 2026 — Bill passed a key California Assembly committee, first U.S. SKG-related progress.
Yes, but: While the bill advances consumer and preservation interests, opponents argue it could impose costly mandates on developers, potentially slowing innovation and increasing legal complexity for game publishers.
What's next: California legislature will continue debating the bill through 2026; other states and jurisdictions may consider similar preservation-focused legislation amid growing SKG advocacy.