Pennsylvania state senator John Kane has introduced the Protect Our Games Act, a proposed measure that would force digital video game publishers to provide offline modes, independent server patches, or partial refunds before terminating access to purchased titles.
Protect Our Games Act Details and Publisher Mandates
Digital storefronts and shifting licensing agreements leave buyers with virtual rights rather than physical control over their media. Under a co-sponsorship memorandum circulated on September 18 by Sen. John Kane,
The bill aims to close the gap between what consumers believe they're purchasing and the fine print that allows companies to take it away,
according to Senator Kane. Should a publisher discontinue services, they must provide users with at least one of the following three remedies:
- Provide an offline playable mode.
- Release a software update enabling players to host or join online matches independently of the publisher’s infrastructure.
- Issue a refund based on the highest price charged during the 12 months preceding the shutdown.
That compensation comes with a strict safety floor, as the payout cannot fall below 25% of the original retail price. Subscription-based titles, where user access remains strictly tied to an active recurring payment plan, are exempt from these requirements. The bill also excludes games that do not require an internet connection, as those titles are considered functional regardless of server status.
Industry Shifts Toward All-Digital Media Spark Legislative Push
The legislative initiative arrives in response to growing alarm over software ownership models. Sony announced plans to phase out physical game disc production for PlayStation consoles starting in 2028, accelerating an industry-wide transition toward strictly digital distribution. Sony has defended the move, citing that a large portion of its current sales are already in a digital format.
That shift leaves consumers vulnerable to sudden server shutdowns that render paid software entirely useless. Retailers and players alike have noticed the friction caused by this transition. Lance Dowless, co-owner of Slave to the Game, pointed out the underlying anxiety surrounding future access.
“It has consumers concerned that they won’t have their game in the future. They’ll lose their games and then they won’t have it to play.”
Lance Dowless, co-owner of Slave to the Game
“A lot of people have started coming back to the old stuff, whether online capability isn’t there, or they just can’t take it away from you.”
Ryan Thompson
Pennsylvania Officials Would Enforce Digital Ownership Law
If the measure clears the legislature and becomes law, enforcement responsibilities will rest with the Pennsylvania Attorney General and local district attorneys across the state. While the bill is currently in its early stages, proponents have discussed the possibility of proposing the legislation to the United States Senate with participation from other states. Proponents view this as a necessary step to address digital ownership concerns that extend beyond gaming.
The push mirrors the goals of the Stop Killing Games movement, which has mobilized players across the European Union and the United States. As for the Pennsylvania proposal, there is no official floor vote scheduled, and the future of the bill remains uncertain.