Particle.news
Download on the App Store

California Bill Requiring Refunds or Offline Access After Game Shutdowns Clears Key Vote

The measure now advances to a full Assembly vote before further consideration.

Overview

  • AB 1921 cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee in an 11–2 vote with two abstentions, sending the bill to the Assembly floor.
  • The proposal would require digital game operators to give buyers 60 days' notice before ending services needed to play a game.
  • Once services end, operators would need to provide an offline patch, tools for community-run servers, or a refund for games sold on or after January 1, 2027.
  • The bill authorizes California’s Attorney General or local district attorneys to bring civil actions to enforce these requirements.
  • To become law, the measure must pass the full Assembly and the Senate before reaching Governor Gavin Newsom for a signature or veto, with supporters in Stop Killing Games backing it and the ESA opposing it over licensing and feasibility concerns.