Legislation
Ongoing coverage on Legislation.
Latest coverage
Morning Legal Briefs
The No Fakes Act has cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee. The article briefly mentions the use of VPNs for privacy and how some individuals may use them to circumvent restrictions, particularly concerning children.
EC "Cannot Propose a Legal Obligation to Keep Video Games Playable"
The European Commission has stated it cannot propose a legal obligation to keep video games playable, following hearings related to the Stop Destroying Videogames European Citizens' Initiative. The EC plans to engage with the industry on this matter.
Under-16s to Be Banned From Social Media, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Says
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban individuals under the age of 16 from using social media. The government aims to pass the necessary regulations before Christmas, with the ban expected to be implemented by spring 2027.
Congress lets decades-old spying law lapse amid Trump's controversial DNI nomination
Congress has allowed a decades-old spying law to lapse, reportedly out of concern over empowering Bill Pulte. The article mentions this occurred amid a controversial nomination for Director of National Intelligence.
Game History and Preservation
A 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.
Evening Legal Briefs
Senators Ted Cruz and Ron Wyden have introduced the bipartisan JAWBONE Act, aiming to combat censorship. The legislation seeks to address concerns regarding online content moderation and free speech.
Morning Legal Briefs
The article briefly mentions that a spy law is set to lapse after the House rejected an extension. It also notes that Americans are trading billions of dollars on Polymarket's offshore platform, which may require registration.
Morning Legal Briefs
The Entertainment Software Association is urging lawmakers to consider video game replicas when drafting new legislation. Separately, the European Union has instructed Meta to reinstate access for rival chatbots to its WhatsApp platform.
ESA says anti-deepfake act could 'devastate' video game industry
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has expressed strong opposition to SAG-AFTRA's proposed "No Fakes" act, arguing that its current wording creates significant legal uncertainty and could devastate the video game industry. ESA president Stanley Pierre-Louis stated that the act's broad definition of "digital replica" could lead to frivolous lawsuits and that the cost of litigation would be economically devastating, despite the industry likely prevailing in court.
Game History and Preservation
An opinion piece by Entertainment Software Association CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis argues that a California bill could negatively impact the online video game industry. The article focuses on the potential harms to game preservation efforts and the broader industry landscape.
Nintendo announced a Switch 2 console with replacable batteries
Nintendo has announced a new version of the Nintendo Switch 2 console for European Union countries featuring a user-replaceable battery, in compliance with new legislation aimed at reducing e-waste and promoting the right to repair. These EU-compliant consoles are scheduled for release in February 2027.
Switch 2 Is Getting A Consumer-Friendly Upgrade In Europe
Nintendo will release a revised version of the Nintendo Switch 2 in Europe with a removable battery to comply with the EU Batteries Legislation. This change, effective February 18, 2027, requires consumer products with built-in batteries to make them removable and replaceable. It is currently unclear if this revision will affect the price or availability in other regions.
California lawmakers advance a bill to protect online games from forever deletion
California lawmakers have advanced AB 1921, also known as the Protect Our Games Act, which aims to protect live service games from permanent deletion. The bill passed a floor vote and now moves to the State Senate, requiring studios to provide 60 days' notice before ending support, offer an offline mode, or issue refunds.
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.
Game History and Preservation
A bill concerning game preservation, referred to as 'Stop Killing Games,' has passed a floor vote in California. This legislative development indicates a growing focus on ensuring older video games remain accessible.
Op Ed
The author argues that certain aspects of Roblox require legislative intervention due to concerns over its long-term impact. Having played games for 40 years and written about them for 20, the author believes specific elements of the platform should be regulated.
Minnesota passes ban on prediction markets, Trump Administration sues
Minnesota has enacted a new law that prohibits the advertisement and operation of prediction markets within the state. The Trump Administration has filed a lawsuit in response to this legislation.
Game History and Preservation
A bill aimed at preventing publishers from shutting down online games has advanced in California. This legislation seeks to address concerns about game preservation and the longevity of digital titles.
Stop Killing Games wins California Assembly committee vote, Protect Our Games Act heads to floor
The AB 1921 Protect Our Games Act has advanced through the California Assembly Appropriations Committee, moving closer to a floor vote. This bill requires game developers to provide 60 days' notice before terminating online services for games released after January 1, 2027, and offer purchasers alternatives like offline play or refunds. The Entertainment Software Association has been lobbying against the bill.
