Topic analysis

California bill would require patches or refunds when online games shut down

California's Protect Our Games Act, which would require publishers of paid online games (excluding free or subscription-only titles) to offer full refunds or independent play patches upon server shutdowns—along with 60 days' advance notice to players—has passed the Assembly's appropriations committee, advancing to a full floor vote. Supported by the grassroots Stop Killing Games movement, the bill faces opposition from the Entertainment Software Association, which argues it misrepresents game licensing models and imposes legally or technically infeasible requirements on publishers.