Sony PlayStation 5 Pro (L) and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (R) video game consoles are displayed during the Tokyo Game Show 2024 at Makuhari Messe on September 26, 2024 in Chiba, Japan. The gaming exhibition is one of the world’s largest and will be held through September 29th. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/
PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) —A Pennsylvania senator is proposing a law requiring video game companies to notify customers and offer options if they discontinue access to digital games.
Sen. John Kane (D) helped circulate a memo on Sept. 18 seeking support for the proposed Protect Our Games Act.
In light of Sony announcing that, starting in 2028, the company would no longer produce video game discs for its popular PlayStation console. This would potentially cause video game access to be subject to licensing agreements that can be changed at any time for any reason, according to the memo.
Under the proposal, video game manufacturers would be required to give customers at least 60 days’ notice before ending access to the game or changing its features.
Additionally, the companies would also be required to provide customers with at least one of the following options:
- The ability to use the video game offline
- A patch to continue using the game online independent of the company’s online gaming services
- A refund in an amount equal to the highest price of the digital game offered by the digital game operator within the 12 months before the digital game operator ceases providing services for the ordinary use of the digital game. The refund amount cannot fall below 25% of the initial sale price of the game
Additionally, the bill would include exemptions for subscription-based services where access to games lasts only for the duration of the subscription.
If enacted, the bill would be enforced by the Pennsylvania Attorney General and the district attorneys.
The bill has not been submitted for consideration.
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