Stop Killing Games
Stop Killing Games business and news from across the web.- The ESA is up to its tired old tricks in helping to block a California games preservation billThe Electronic Software Association (ESA) is reportedly lobbying against California's AB 1921, the Protect Our Games Act, which aims to preserve online games. The ESA is accused of using misleading claims to deter lawmakers, including calling private servers for games like Minecraft and Call of Duty illegal. Despite the bill failing to pass committee, the 'Stop Killing Games' initiative plans to continue advocating for game preservation.
Stop Killing Games says 'the fight goes on' after European Commission rejects proposed rule changes: 'We're much more than just this single petition'The European Commission has rejected proposed rule changes that would have required publishers to keep games operational after their servers shut down, citing existing intellectual property rights. Stop Killing Games, the organization behind the petition, stated that the fight for game preservation continues, with plans to adapt US legislation for the EU and build a 'Stop Killing the Internet' team.- MMO Business Roundup: Stop Killing Games’ setback, Sony’s PC games, and Amazon’s cloud service aspirationsStop Killing Games faced a setback as the EU confirmed it will not change laws to cover game shutdowns but will work on an industry code of conduct. PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino stated that PC releases, especially for live-service games, remain a standard strategy for Sony. Amazon continues to operate and promote its Luna cloud gaming service, aiming to increase its visibility among Prime members.
‘Stop Destroying Videogames’ – European Commission Responds to Initiative Supported by Over A Million SupportersThe European Commission has responded to the 'Stop Destroying Videogames' initiative, stating it cannot legally compel publishers to keep games playable indefinitely. While not proposing new legislation, the Commission will initiate industry discussions by the end of 2026 to draft a code of conduct for game end-of-life management and will raise awareness of existing consumer rights.
Stop Killing Games suffers setback following European Parliamentary hearing - but all is not lostThe European Commission has decided not to propose new legislation for online game preservation, stating that existing EU copyright and consumer laws provide sufficient safeguards. This ruling is a setback for the Stop Killing Games movement, which had petitioned for a legal framework to prevent games from becoming unplayable when online services are shut down. While the Commission will encourage an industry code of conduct and greater transparency, it will not mandate game companies to keep titles playable indefinitely.- Game History and PreservationThis article discusses the importance of game preservation, referencing content from Accursed Farms and Stop Killing Games. It criticizes the ESA for alleged misinformation regarding industry practices and the ongoing issue of games being delisted or made unplayable.
- Game History and PreservationA politician behind a California bill aimed at preventing the shutdown of online games acknowledges that enforcement will be challenging. The bill, supported by the organization Stop Killing Games, seeks to address issues surrounding game preservation.
- California 'Protect Our Games' Act passes initial vote & moves to State SenateThe 'Protect Our Games' Act in California has passed its initial vote and will now proceed to the State Senate. This legislation, supported by the Stop Killing Games movement, aims to enhance consumer protections for discontinued live-service games.
The California State Assembly passes AB 1921, Stop Killing Games' Protect Our Games ActThe California State Assembly has passed Assembly Bill 1921, the Protect Our Games Act, which aims to improve game preservation. Championed by Assembly Member Chris Ward, the bill requires video game companies to provide advance notice before shutting down server-dependent games and offer options for continued play, such as offline access. The bill now moves to the California State Senate for further consideration.
'This Policy Doesn't Reflect How Games Actually Work Today': Stop Killing Games Gets Big Win, But the Fight Is Far from OverThe consumer movement Stop Killing Games has achieved a significant victory as the California State Assembly passed the 'Protect Our Games' act, which aims to prevent publishers from permanently disabling games by shutting down servers. The bill proposes requiring publishers to provide advance notice of server closures and ensure playable single-player modes indefinitely for commercially available titles. However, the Entertainment Software Association argues the proposal is not feasible and could hinder the development of new games and technology.
The Stop Killing Games movement hits another major milestone as a game preservation bill passes California State…The California State Assembly has passed the Protect Our Games Act (AB 1921), a bill aimed at improving game preservation. The legislation requires companies to provide 60 days' notice before shutting down online servers, offer ways for players to continue playing post-support, or issue refunds. This move by Stop Killing Games marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to ensure digital games remain accessible.
California State Assembly Passes 'Protect Our Games Act'The California State Assembly has passed Assembly Bill 1921, known as the Protect Our Games Act, with a vote of 43 to 16. This legislation requires games released after January 1st, 2027, to provide at least 60 days notice before shutting down essential support, offer an offline playable version, or issue full refunds. The act excludes free-to-play and subscription-based games, among other exceptions, and now moves to the California State Senate.
Stop Killing Games-backed bill that'd bar publishers from switching off game servers without thinking of players passes California State Assembly voteA bill in California, backed by the Stop Killing Games campaign, has passed the State Assembly and is moving to the State Senate. The legislation would require publishers to offer refunds or playable offline versions of games when shutting down online servers. The Entertainment Software Association opposes the bill, while a similar EU petition is awaiting a response.
Stop Killing Games petition on game server switch offs will get a reply "before the summer", European Commission promise during latest debateThe European Commission has promised a response to the Stop Killing Games petition regarding online game server shutdowns before the summer. Politicians debated consumer protections for game server shutdowns, with some referencing the long wait for Grand Theft Auto 6 as a comparison for legislative timelines. The Commission acknowledged the complexity of the issue and will examine existing rules before finalizing its communication.- California lawmakers are working on a bill to preserve access to online gamesCalifornia lawmakers are developing a bill aimed at preserving access to online games, with guidance from the game preservation group Stop Killing Games. The legislation seeks to ensure players can continue to access and play their digital game libraries.
California Protect Our Games Act backed by Stop Killing Games passes key hurdleThe California Protect Our Games Act, backed by Stop Killing Games, has passed a key hurdle in the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee. The bill aims to amend laws to prevent developers from completely removing access to digital games, requiring notice for server shutdowns and options for continued play or refunds. The Entertainment Software Association has lobbied against the bill, which now moves forward to the assembly floor.- Game History and PreservationStop Killing Games has won a legal battle against the Entertainment Software Association in California. This victory is seen as a significant step forward for game preservation efforts.
- Stop Killing Games says age verification laws make game preservation ‘harder or even impossible’The Stop Killing Games movement argues that age verification laws will make game preservation more difficult or impossible, particularly for fan-run servers. They contend that these laws create new gatekeepers and collect sensitive data without addressing root causes of online harm. Separately, the Entertainment Software Association opposes a California bill requiring advance notice for online game service closures, stating it could hinder new game development.
Xbox Game Pass "starter edition" now officially bundled with Discord Nitro memberships, with more benefits coming soonXbox Game Pass has officially partnered with Discord Nitro, offering a starter edition of the subscription service to eligible Nitro members. This collaboration also includes deeper integration within Discord, allowing users to easily access and try Game Pass titles. Separately, a debate is ongoing in California regarding consumer protection law AB 1921, which aims to ensure offline access or refunds for games when online services cease, with the ESA opposing it and consumer groups like Stop Killing Games supporting it.- Game History and PreservationThe owner of E3 and the organization Stop Killing Games are in disagreement regarding a Californian bill focused on game preservation. The E3 owner argues that the demand for such legislation is not driven by a need for eternal server support, but rather by broader preservation concerns.