California bill AB 1921 would harm video game industry by mandating indefinite server support, critics say
By
Jennifer Green
Lightly browned and well buttered. A solid pick from the rack.
Summary
This opinion piece argues against California's AB 1921, a proposed bill that would require video game publishers to provide indefinite support or refunds for server-connected games. The author contends the bill misunderstands how online game services work, would impose unreasonable financial burdens on developers (especially smaller studios), create licensing complications, and ultimately harm both game makers and players by discouraging innovation and potentially killing older games rather than maintaining them. The piece uses examples like the shutdown of Nintendo's Wii U and 3DS online services to illustrate how server maintenance costs can exceed revenue, and warns that the bill could lead to fewer games being released in California.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledAB 1921 would force indefinite support or refunds for server-connected games, straining developers, licensing and future game creation in California.
The bill would require game publishers to support server-connected games indefinitely or provide refunds for the purchase price of the game and any in-game purchases.
The cost of maintaining servers for older games can quickly exceed the revenue generated from those games, making it economically unfeasible for developers to keep them running.
This bill could have a chilling effect on game development in California, potentially driving studios to other states or countries with more favorable business environments.
Rather than protecting consumers, AB 1921 could actually harm them by reducing the number of games available and increasing costs.
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