Stop Killing Games
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'This Policy Doesn't Reflect How Games Actually Work Today': Stop Killing Games Gets Big Win, But the Fight Is Far from Over
The 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 vote
A 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 debate
The 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 games
California 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 hurdle
The 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 Preservation
Stop 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 soon
Xbox 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 Preservation
The 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.
California bill pushing to keep games playable after server shutdowns "doesn't reflect how games actually work", ESA assert
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) opposes a California bill, AB 1921, that would require game publishers to offer playable versions or refunds when shutting down online game servers. The ESA argues the bill doesn't reflect current game development realities and could stifle innovation. The 'Stop Killing Games' campaign supports the bill, advocating for a fair end-of-life framework for online games.
"It is frustrating to see policymakers suddenly claim everything is 'for our safety'" - Stop Killing Games joins pushback against age verification laws
Stop Killing Games is joining the pushback against new age verification laws, arguing they are complex to implement and could harm game preservation efforts. Founder Ross Scott stated that these laws could make distributions of Linux illegal in California and have already led to the shutdown of the game Urban Dead. The organization believes these laws do not address the root causes of online harm and disproportionately affect community projects.
Mozilla, Stop Killing Games and more team up to tell the UK to stop making the internet worse
Mozilla, Stop Killing Games, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation are among 19 organizations urging the UK government to reconsider its approach to internet regulation. They argue that recent legislation, like the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act, undermines the open internet and employs overly restrictive measures rather than focusing on user safety by default. The groups express concern that intrusive age verification processes could become mandatory for all users.
Stop Killing Games, Mozilla, EFF and others release statement urging UK policymakers to keep the web open
Mozilla, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and Stop Killing Games, along with other organizations, have released a joint statement urging UK policymakers to address the root causes of online harm rather than implementing broad internet restrictions. The groups argue that measures like mandatory age verification and access bans could undermine the open web, infringe on human rights, and negatively impact game preservation.
UK Stop Killing Games group launches with new NGO Gamers’ Voice
The new UK advocacy group Gamers' Voice has launched as part of the global Stop Killing Games movement to represent gamers' interests in policy discussions. The organization aims to address concerns around digital ownership, industry practices, and government regulations that could impact online games, ensuring player perspectives are included in debates.
"We want to ensure gamers are part of those conversations": Stop Killing Games launch player advocacy group to lobby the UK government
The Stop Killing Games campaign has launched a new UK advocacy group called Gamers' Voice to lobby the UK government on issues such as game preservation, live-service shutdowns, and online safety. The organization aims to ensure that gamers' perspectives are included in policy discussions affecting digital ownership and access to games. Gamers' Voice has already begun engaging with parliamentarians and aims to represent player interests in the UK.
Stop Killing Games movement celebrates as The Crew 2 sees further offline mode support
Ubisoft has released updates for The Crew 2's Hybrid Mode, allowing offline access to features like livery creation and driver statistics, following pressure from the Stop Killing Games movement. The movement, which advocates for game preservation and successfully petitioned the European Parliament, claims credit for Ubisoft's continued support of The Crew 2's offline capabilities and similar plans for The Crew Motorfest.
Game History and Preservation
Stop Killing Games presented a compelling case for game preservation during a hearing in the European Parliament. The organization reported a highly positive reception from parliament members, indicating strong support for initiatives to protect video game history.
Stop Killing Games delivers 'absolutely incredible' hearing in European Parliament: 'There was no [parliament member] that wasn't responding positively'
Stop Killing Games founder Ross Scott and organizer Moritz Katzner presented their case for game preservation to the European Parliament, receiving positive responses from various political groups. The initiative aims to establish requirements to prevent server-dependent games from being shut down when they are no longer profitable, with the organization also launching NGOs in the EU and US for long-term counter-lobbying.
