California bill would force game publishers to provide offline patches or refunds after server shutdowns
By
Lihh27
Crispy enough to crunch, soft enough to enjoy. A good bake.
Summary
A bill advancing in California would require game publishers to offer either an "independent" play patch or refunds when they shut down online servers for live-service games. The bill aims to prevent publishers from rendering purchased games unplayable after server shutdowns. SKG, a consumer advocacy group, supports the bill, arguing no other medium allows products to be sold and then taken away without notice. The Entertainment Software Association, representing major publishers, has opposed the bill, claiming it misrepresents the industry.
Key quotes
· 2 pulledthere is no other medium in which a product can be marketed and sold to a consumer and then ripped away without notice
As live service games rise in popularity for game developers and gamers alike, end-of-life procedures are essential tools to ensure prolonged access to the games consumers pay to enjoy
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