Stop Killing Games: Difference between revisions

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The Petition was debated by Parliament on 3 November 2025. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Stephanie Peacock, was the last speaker and provided the Government's position on the matter. The debate was adjourned without the Government having made any material changes from its view previously stated in February.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web

|last=Warren |first=Mark |title=Stop Killing Games' UK petition has been debated in parliament: "The law works, but companies may need to communicate better" |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/stop-killing-games-uk-petition-has-been-debated-in-parliament-the-law-works-but-companies-may-need-to-communicate-better |website=Rock Paper Shotgun |date=3 Nov 2025 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111002946/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/stop-killing-games-uk-petition-has-been-debated-in-parliament-the-law-works-but-companies-may-need-to-communicate-better |archive-date=11 Nov 2025}}</ref>

~~'''<big>California Assembly Bill 1921</big>'''~~

~~Introduced on February 12 2026, the bill aims to regulate server-connected and digital games sold in California, protecting its consumers by ensuring transparency about game lifecycles and support.~~

~~On May 14 2026 the bill passed with 11 yes, 2 no and 2 absent votes.~~

===European Citizens' Initiative===

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In an announcement from the initiative campaigners on 24 January 2026, the final count of verified signatures was 1,294,188.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Mr_Presidentle |title=Stop Killing Games: Final Count of Verified Signatures of the European Citizens Initiative |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/StopKillingGames/comments/1qluxts/stop_killing_games_final_count_of_verified/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=24 Jan 2026 |access-date=25 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260126002806/https://old.reddit.com/r/StopKillingGames/comments/1qluxts/stop_killing_games_final_count_of_verified/ |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Protect Our Games Act===

Introduced on 12 February 2026, the California Assembly Bill 1921 is a proposed California law introduced by Chris Ward that aims to establish consumer protections for purchases of video games with functionalities that depends on online services.

The bill, also named [[Protect Our Games Act]] or Pog Act, would be added to the California Business and Professions Code and would apply to digital games that are made available for purchase starting from 1st January 2027.

<big>Definitions</big>

* Video games are defined as any digital game accessed through any gaming device, computer, mobile device or similar hardware capable of running the game and includes any extra downloadable content [[DLC]]s or add-ons.

* The bill defines a game studio developer, publisher or entity controlling the purchasers as "operator". The operator has control over authentication systems, [[DRM]]s, server access, updates, etc.

* The bill defines the "ordinary use" as the ability to use the game's core features with reasonable consumer expectations at the time of purchase.

<big>Consumer notice requirements</big>

At least 60 days before ending service, the operator would be required to:

* Notify purchasers directly through the game.

* Post a public notice on the operator website.

The notice has to include:

* Shutdown date.

* The services that are being terminated.

* The features that will become unavailable.

* The security risks that are associated with the shutdown.

* Information for the players on how they may continue using the game or obtain a refund.

<big>Post shutdown obligations</big>

On the date of the shutdown, the publisher would be requires to provide one of the following:

* A version of the game playable without operator-controlled services.

* A patch or update for continued independent use without the operator.

* A full refund equal to the game's purchase price.

* The operator is prohibited from continuing to distribute versions of the game that cannot function independently.

<big>Exceptions</big>

The legislation would not apply to:

* Subscription based games where your game access has a clearly defined expiring date tied to your subscription period.

* Free to play games without monetary involvements.

* Games that are permanently downloadable for offline use and without revocable access.

<big>Votes</big>

On 14 May 2026 the bill passed with 11 Ayes, 2 Noes and 2 Absent votes.

===Industry push back===

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In the video Ross demonstrated how the accusations had no ground to stand on, and the process of communication that happened with the European Commission to verify the correctness of the campaign before it even began in July 2024. The document with the accusations can be found [https://mega.nz/file/W3YTHCqQ#i-D2f_fgILqBILJiavLwX-eh3pUPGnYeaQfdadiFH20 here].<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title= 250711SDVG_Complaint-1 .pdf |url=https://mega.nz/file/W3YTHCqQ#i-D2f_fgILqBILJiavLwX-eh3pUPGnYeaQfdadiFH20 |website=MEGA |date=21 Jul 2025 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250918074346/https://mega.nz/file/W3YTHCqQ |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref>

~~The~~ European Commission ~~hasn't moved against or in favor of the accused yet as of 10 November 2025~~.

On 16 April 2026, members of the Stop Killing Games movement had a public hearing with the European Parliament Commission.<ref>{{Cite web |author= European Parliament |title= Stop destroying video games |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSla5vfGi3A |website=YouTube |date=16 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |format=Video}}</ref>

On an undisclosed date, the [[Entertainment Software Association]] [ESA] filed a comment against the [[Protect Our Games Act]]. The [[POG Act]], ~~refered~~ as CA AB1921, is a California Assembly bill text to regulate games as part of the California legislature. Despite the attempt of push-back from the industry, the bill passed on 14 May 2026.

On an undisclosed date, the [[Entertainment Software Association]] [ESA] filed a comment against the [[Protect Our Games Act]]<ref>{{Cite_web |author=Stop Killing Games |title=The Industry is lobbying against Stop Killing Games! (again) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/StopKillingGames/comments/1t9ne7c/the_industry_is_lobbying_against_stop_killing/ |website=Reddit |date=11 May 2026 |url-status=live }}</ref>. The POG Act, referred as CA AB1921, is a California Assembly bill text to regulate games as part of the California legislature. Despite the attempt of push-back from the industry, the bill passed on 14 May 2026.

==Video game preservation==

@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
 The Petition was debated by Parliament on 3 November 2025. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Stephanie Peacock, was the last speaker and provided the Government's position on the matter. The debate was adjourned without the Government having made any material changes from its view previously stated in February.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web
 |last=Warren |first=Mark |title=Stop Killing Games' UK petition has been debated in parliament: "The law works, but companies may need to communicate better"  |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/stop-killing-games-uk-petition-has-been-debated-in-parliament-the-law-works-but-companies-may-need-to-communicate-better |website=Rock Paper Shotgun |date=3 Nov 2025 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111002946/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/stop-killing-games-uk-petition-has-been-debated-in-parliament-the-law-works-but-companies-may-need-to-communicate-better |archive-date=11 Nov 2025}}</ref>
-'''<big>California Assembly Bill 1921</big>'''
-Introduced on February 12 2026, the bill aims to regulate server-connected and digital games sold in California, protecting its consumers by ensuring transparency about game lifecycles and support.
-On May 14 2026 the bill passed with 11 yes, 2 no and 2 absent votes.
 ===European Citizens' Initiative===
@@ Line 41: / Line 35: @@
 In an announcement from the initiative campaigners on 24 January 2026, the final count of verified signatures was 1,294,188.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Mr_Presidentle |title=Stop Killing Games: Final Count of Verified Signatures of the European Citizens Initiative |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/StopKillingGames/comments/1qluxts/stop_killing_games_final_count_of_verified/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=24 Jan 2026 |access-date=25 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260126002806/https://old.reddit.com/r/StopKillingGames/comments/1qluxts/stop_killing_games_final_count_of_verified/ |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref>
+===Protect Our Games Act===
+Introduced on 12 February 2026, the California Assembly Bill 1921 is a proposed California law introduced by Chris Ward that aims to establish consumer protections for purchases of video games with functionalities that depends on online services.
+The bill, also named [[Protect Our Games Act]] or Pog Act, would be added to the California Business and Professions Code and would apply to digital games that are made available for purchase starting from 1st January 2027.
+<big>Definitions</big>
+* Video games are defined as any digital game accessed through any gaming device, computer, mobile device or similar hardware capable of running the game and includes any extra downloadable content [[DLC]]s or add-ons.
+* The bill defines a game studio developer, publisher or entity controlling the purchasers as "operator". The operator has control over authentication systems, [[DRM]]s, server access, updates, etc.
+* The bill defines the "ordinary use" as the ability to use the game's core features with reasonable consumer expectations at the time of purchase.
+<big>Consumer notice requirements</big>
+At least 60 days before ending service, the operator would be required to:
+* Notify purchasers directly through the game.
+* Post a public notice on the operator website.
+The notice has to include:
+* Shutdown date.
+* The services that are being terminated.
+* The features that will become unavailable.
+* The security risks that are associated with the shutdown.
+* Information for the players on how they may continue using the game or obtain a refund.
+<big>Post shutdown obligations</big>
+On the date of the shutdown, the publisher would be requires to provide one of the following:
+* A version of the game playable without operator-controlled services.
+* A patch or update for continued independent use without the operator.
+* A full refund equal to the game's purchase price.
+* The operator is prohibited from continuing to distribute versions of the game that cannot function independently.
+<big>Exceptions</big>
+The legislation would not apply to:
+* Subscription based games where your game access has a clearly defined expiring date tied to your subscription period.
+* Free to play games without monetary involvements.
+* Games that are permanently downloadable for offline use and without revocable access.
+<big>Votes</big>
+On 14 May 2026 the bill passed with 11 Ayes, 2 Noes and 2 Absent votes.
 ===Industry push back===
@@ Line 57: / Line 93: @@
 In the video Ross demonstrated how the accusations had no ground to stand on, and the process of communication that happened with the European Commission to verify the correctness of the campaign before it even began in July 2024. The document with the accusations can be found [https://mega.nz/file/W3YTHCqQ#i-D2f_fgILqBILJiavLwX-eh3pUPGnYeaQfdadiFH20 here].<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title= 250711SDVG_Complaint-1 .pdf  |url=https://mega.nz/file/W3YTHCqQ#i-D2f_fgILqBILJiavLwX-eh3pUPGnYeaQfdadiFH20 |website=MEGA |date=21 Jul 2025 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250918074346/https://mega.nz/file/W3YTHCqQ |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref>
-The European Commission hasn't moved against or in favor of the accused yet as of 10 November 2025.
+On 16 April 2026, members of the Stop Killing Games movement had a public hearing with the European Parliament Commission.<ref>{{Cite web |author= European Parliament |title= Stop destroying video games |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSla5vfGi3A |website=YouTube |date=16 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |format=Video}}</ref>
-On an undisclosed date, the [[Entertainment Software Association]] [ESA] filed a comment against the [[Protect Our Games Act]]. The [[POG Act]], refered as CA AB1921, is a California Assembly bill text to regulate games as part of the California legislature. Despite the attempt of push-back from the industry, the bill passed on 14 May 2026.
+On an undisclosed date, the [[Entertainment Software Association]] [ESA] filed a comment against the [[Protect Our Games Act]]<ref>{{Cite_web |author=Stop Killing Games |title=The Industry is lobbying against Stop Killing Games! (again) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/StopKillingGames/comments/1t9ne7c/the_industry_is_lobbying_against_stop_killing/ |website=Reddit |date=11 May 2026 |url-status=live }}</ref>. The POG Act, referred as CA AB1921, is a California Assembly bill text to regulate games as part of the California legislature. Despite the attempt of push-back from the industry, the bill passed on 14 May 2026.
 ==Video game preservation==