CALIFORNIA BILL WOULD FORCE PUBLISHERS TO KEEP ONLINE GAMES PLAYABLE

The California measure mandates that publishers offer either a functional offline version or full refunds to players when terminating online services. Publishers would need to provide "independent" play patches—versions that function without active servers—within a reasonable timeframe after shutdown announcements. The bill addresses widespread industry practice where games become unplayable once servers close, leaving players unable to access previously purchased content. Major publishers have shut down servers for dozens of games in recent years, effectively deleting them from players' libraries. Support comes from consumer advocates and players frustrated by permanent game loss. The legislation faces potential pushback from publishers citing development costs and technical barriers. The bill's advancement marks the first significant legislative effort to establish consumer rights around digital game permanence. If passed, California's rules could influence industry standards nationwide.