Pennsylvania introduces law to protect digital game owners from server shutdowns

A Pennsylvania state senator has introduced the ‘Protect Our Games Act’ to prevent digital video games from becoming unplayable when publishers shut down their servers. The proposed legislation aims to protect consumers who have purchased digital titles that rely on manufacturer-hosted services.

Under the proposed law, publishers would be required to provide at least 60 days' notice before discontinuing support for a game. Following this notice period, companies would be obligated to implement at least one of three solutions: enabling offline play, releasing a patch that allows the game to function online without the manufacturer's servers, or providing a refund.

The refund requirement is notably strict, mandating that the amount equals the highest price the game was sold for in the 12 months preceding the service termination, with a floor of 25 percent of the original purchase price. The act would exclude pure subscription services and free-to-play games, unless players have purchased in-game upgrades or content. The proposal is currently in its early stages as a co-sponsorship memo to garner support within the Senate.