Protect Our Games Act: Difference between revisions

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==Definitions==

* 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|DLCs]] or add-ons.

*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|DLCs]] 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|DRMs]], server access, updates, etc.

*The bill defines a game studio developer, publisher or entity controlling the purchasers as "operator". The operator has control over authentication systems, [[DRM|DRMs]], 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.

*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.

==Consumer notice requirements==

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

* Notify purchasers directly through the game.

*Notify purchasers directly through the game.

* Post a public notice on the operator website.

*Post a public notice on the operator website.

The notice has to include:

* Shutdown date.

*Shutdown date.

* The services that are being terminated.

*The services that are being terminated.

* The features that will become unavailable.

*The features that will become unavailable.

* The security risks that are associated with the shutdown.

*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.

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

==Post shutdown obligations==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*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.

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

==Exceptions==

The legislation would not apply to:

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

*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.

*Free to play games without monetary involvements.

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

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

==Industry Response==

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 ==Definitions==
-* 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|DLCs]] or add-ons.
+*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|DLCs]] 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|DRMs]], server access, updates, etc.
+*The bill defines a game studio developer, publisher or entity controlling the purchasers as "operator". The operator has control over authentication systems, [[DRM|DRMs]], 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.
+*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.
 ==Consumer notice requirements==
 At least 60 days before ending service, the operator would be required to:
-* Notify purchasers directly through the game.
+*Notify purchasers directly through the game.
-* Post a public notice on the operator website.
+*Post a public notice on the operator website.
 The notice has to include:
-* Shutdown date.
+*Shutdown date.
-* The services that are being terminated.
+*The services that are being terminated.
-* The features that will become unavailable.
+*The features that will become unavailable.
-* The security risks that are associated with the shutdown.
+*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.
+*Information for the players on how they may continue using the game or obtain a refund.
 ==Post shutdown obligations==
-On the date of the shutdown, the publisher would be requires to provide one of the following:
+On the date of the shutdown, the publisher would be required to provide one of the following:
-* A version of the game playable without operator-controlled services.
+*A version of the game playable without operator-controlled services.
-* A patch or update for continued independent use without the operator.
+*A patch or update for continued independent use without the operator.
-* A full refund equal to the game's purchase price.
+*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.
+*The operator is prohibited from continuing to distribute versions of the game that cannot function independently.
 ==Exceptions==
 The legislation would not apply to:
-* Subscription based games where your game access has a clearly defined expiring date tied to your subscription period.
+*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.
+*Free to play games without monetary involvements.
-* Games that are permanently downloadable for offline use and without revocable access.
+*Games that are permanently downloadable for offline use and without revocable access.
 ==Industry Response==