Overview
- California’s AB 1921 would require 60 days’ notice before an online service ends and then offer an offline version, a patch that removes the online lock, or a full refund.
- The Entertainment Software Association said the plan does not reflect how modern games work and argued it would drain developer time from new projects.
- Bill sponsor Chris Ward called the proposal a fairness measure for people who paid for games and expect basic use after online services stop.
- Consumer group Stop Killing Games backed the bill, told lawmakers it applies only to paid games going forward, and said it does not demand eternal server support.
- Advocates and industry are lobbying ahead of pending hearings, with campaigners noting similar efforts in Europe as policymakers there also weigh end‑of‑life duties for games.