The fight to stop publishers from bricking your games and shutting down servers just got a powerful new enemy

Stop Killing Games is supporting California bill AB 1921, which would require publishers to warn players before shutting down one-time-purchase online games, stop sales, and offer refunds or continued access options.

The ESA opposes the bill, saying the requirements are technically unrealistic and could hurt innovation, while SKG argues it only asks for games to remain functional in some form after service ends.

The debate follows similar preservation efforts in Europe and backlash to Ubisoft’s shutdown of The Crew, highlighting growing pressure for stronger digital consumer rights.

If passed, AB 1921 could set a precedent for preserving access to purchased online games after live service support ends, limiting publishers’ ability to retire titles entirely.