Protect Our Games Act
Protect Our Games Act or POG Act is a proposed[proposed or passed?] California law, AB1921,[1] introduced by Chris Ward and backed by Stop Killing Games, that aims to establish consumer protections for purchases of video games with functionalities that depends on online services. The bill would be added to the California Business and Professions Code and would apply to digital games that are made available for purchase starting from 1 January 2027.
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 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, 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.
Consumer notice requirements
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.
Post shutdown obligations
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 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.
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.
- Free to play games without monetary involvements.
- Games that are permanently downloadable for offline use and without revocable access.
Industry response
The Entertainment Software Association filed a comment against the bill.[2]
Result
On 14 May 2026 the bill passed the Asm Appropriations with 11 Ayes, 2 Noes and 2 Absent votes[3] and following up on 27 May 2026 the bill passed the Assembly Floor legislature with 42 Ayes, 16 Noes and 21 Absent votes[4]. The bill will be debate in the committee of the State Senate in the month of June.
See also
References
- ↑ Ward, Chris (12 February 2026). "CA AB1921 2025-2026 Regular Session". LegiScan. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Stop Killing Games (11 May 2026). "The Industry is lobbying against Stop Killing Games! (again)". Reddit. Archived from the original on 22 May 2026. Retrieved 22 May 2026.
- ↑ "Vote Results". LegiScan. 14 May 2026. Archived from the original on 20 May 2026. Retrieved 19 May 2026.
- ↑ Stop Killing Games (28 May 2026). "Stop Killing Games just passed a floor vote in California". Reddit. Archived from the original on 2026-05-29.