How to Understand and Respond to California’s Proposed Live-Service Game Shutdown Law (AB 1921)

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Introduction

California’s Assembly Bill 1921 (AB 1921) aims to protect gamers when live-service games are shut down. Introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Chris Ward, the bill would require developers to give 60 days’ notice before ceasing online services, offer refunds, and provide an offline version or patch. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) opposes the bill, arguing it would hurt developers. However, the bill aligns with the Stop Killing Games movement, which advocates for game preservation. This guide walks you through the bill’s requirements, how developers can prepare, and what gamers can do to support or comply with the law—whether you’re a studio executive, a concerned player, or an advocate.

What You Need

• Full text of AB 1921 – available on the California Legislative Information website.
• Knowledge of your game’s live-service architecture – server dependencies, features that cannot work offline.
• Legal counsel familiar with California consumer protection law.
• Contact information for California legislators (if you wish to voice support or concerns).
• A team for patch development – to create offline versions or migration patches.
• Communication channels – website, email lists, social media for notifying players.
• Budget for refunds – allocate funds or in-game currency compensation.
• Advocacy group contacts – e.g., Stop Killing Games, Video Game History Foundation.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Understand the Bill’s Requirements

   Start by reading AB 1921 in full. Key provisions include:

   • 60-day notice before service termination.
   • Offline version or patch that makes the game playable without online servers.
   • Refunds for purchases made within a reasonable time prior to shutdown.
   • Clear communication to purchasers and prospective purchasers.
   The bill applies to “digital games” that rely on online services. Note that the ESA argues this would harm developers, while proponents say it’s essential for consumer protection and game preservation.

2. Step 2: Evaluate Your Game’s Shutdown Plan

   If you’re a developer with a live-service game nearing end-of-life, assess your current shutdown roadmap. Compare it to AB 1921’s timeline. Are you planning to delist without notice? Do you have an offline mode? Identify gaps between your plan and the bill’s mandates. For example, if you usually give only 30 days’ notice, you’ll need to adjust to 60 days. If your game has no single-player component, creating an offline version may require significant engineering.

3. Step 3: Prepare an Offline Version or Patch

   This is the most complex step. Work with your development team to detach necessary features from online servers. Options include:

   • Hosting a local server executable for players to run.
   • Porting multiplayer to LAN or peer-to-peer.
   • Replacing server-driven content with procedural generation or baked assets.
   • Providing a static “museum” version with pre-recorded interactions.
   Document any known limitations (e.g., leaderboards, microtransactions, matchmaking) and communicate these to players. The goal is a functional offline version that preserves core gameplay.

4. Step 4: Issue Refunds and Notices

   60 days before server shutdown, send a clear notice via email, official forums, and store pages. The notice should state:

   • Date of service termination.
   • How to access the offline version (download link, patch instructions).
   • Refund policy – specify which purchases are eligible (e.g., cosmetic items, season passes) and how to claim.
   Set up a refund portal or system. Under AB 1921, you must offer refunds for “digital goods” purchased in a reasonable period (likely within 6 months of shutdown). Keep records of all communications and transactions.

5. Step 5: Engage with Advocacy Groups

   Whether you support or oppose the bill, connect with organizations like Stop Killing Games or the Entertainment Software Association. Developers opposing the bill can provide feedback to the California Legislature to shape amendments. Gamers who favor preservation can join campaigns to urge lawmakers to pass AB 1921. Advocacy groups often have template letters and talking points. Use your voice to ensure the final law balances consumer rights with practical development constraints.

6. Step 6: Monitor Legislative Updates

   AB 1921 is still in committee and may change. Follow the bill’s progress through the California Assembly and Senate. Key milestones include hearings, amendments, and floor votes. Subscribe to alerts from the California Legislative Information system or set up Google Alerts for “AB 1921.” If the bill passes, it could set a precedent for other states. Stay informed to adjust your compliance timeline.

7. Step 7: Communicate with Your Player Community

   Transparency builds trust. After the 60-day notice, provide regular updates on the offline version’s development, refund processing, and any changes. Use your game’s social media, Discord, or blog. Pro Tip: Create a dedicated FAQ page that answers common questions about the shutdown process under AB 1921. This reduces support tickets and fosters goodwill, even among disappointed players.

Tips and Conclusion

• Start early. Even if your game isn’t closing soon, future-proof by designing offline modes now. It’s cheaper than retrofitting later.
• Budget for legal fees. Complying with new consumer protection laws may require legal review of refund policies and notice procedures.
• Consider cultural impact. Games are part of digital heritage. Supporting preservation earns community respect and can differentiate your studio in a market wary of service shutdowns.
• Balance innovation with responsibility. The ESA’s concerns about developer burden are valid, but AB 1921’s core idea—that players should not lose access to purchased games—aligns with ethical game development.

In conclusion, California’s AB 1921 represents a significant shift in how live-service games are sunset. Whether you’re a developer or a gamer, understanding and engaging with the bill is crucial. By following these steps, you can either prepare to comply if the law passes, or advocate for changes that serve all stakeholders. Game preservation is not just a legal issue—it’s a promise to players that their investment matters.

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