The Protect Our Games Act, which aims to ensure continued access to digital games, has successfully passed through the California State Assembly with a vote count of 43 to 16. This legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward, will move forward to the State Senate for further consideration.
Initially proposed in February, the bill seeks to impose regulations on video game publishers and digital operators regarding the delisting of games. If enacted, it would require a two-month notification period for gamers before a game is removed from availability, along with a full refund policy and continued access for players even after publisher support ends. The law would affect digital games released on or after January 1, 2027, excluding free or subscription-based games.
Despite its current progress, the bill faces challenges ahead, including approval from the State Senate and a signature from the California governor. The initiative garners backing from the Stop Killing Games campaign, which is advocating for similar regulations in the European Union.