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California Bill to Keep Paid Games Playable Clears Key Committee, Heads to Assembly Floor

The measure sets refunds or offline access as the standard when paid online games go dark.

Overview

  • The Assembly Appropriations Committee moved AB 1921 forward to a full floor vote after approving it 11–2, with two abstentions.
  • AB 1921 would require a refund or a way to keep a purchased online game usable after a server shutdown, such as an offline patch or community server tools.
  • The bill sets a 60-day shutdown notice and covers games offered for sale on or after January 1, 2027, with no relief for titles that already closed.
  • The Entertainment Software Association opposes the proposal, while the Stop Killing Games campaign, which backs it, celebrated the vote.
  • Next steps include an Assembly floor vote, possible Senate review, and the governor’s decision, and supporters say success in California could shape rules in other places.