Digital games: ordinary use.

The bill now applies to all 'digital games' rather than only 'server-connected games.' The definition of 'digital game' covers any game accessed using a gaming device, computer, mobile device, tablet, or other display-screen device.

Entire Section 20666 was deleted. This section had required end-of-life notifications on product web pages, lists of lost features and security risks, a prohibition on selling games within two months of end of life, and obligations for companies leasing games to either replace them with comparable games or release an end-of-life plan.

The applicability date language changed from 'available for purchase on or after January 1, 2027' to 'first available for purchase or rereleased for purchase on or after January 1, 2027.' This means a game originally released before 2027 that is re-released after that date would now fall under the bill.

Definitions for 'end of life,' 'end of life plan,' 'product update,' 'product web page,' 'server-connected game,' 'support,' 'security update,' 'vulnerability,' and 'update' were all removed. Only 'digital game,' 'digital game operator,' and 'ordinary use' remain.

The fiscal committee requirement changed from 'no' to 'yes,' meaning the bill now requires review by the state fiscal committee before passage.

The effective date was pushed back one year. The bill now applies only to digital games first available for purchase or rereleased on or after January 1, 2028, instead of January 1, 2027.

The refund remedy was changed from the full purchase price paid by the individual purchaser to the highest price of the digital game offered by the operator within the 12 months before services cease. This could result in a higher refund than what a particular buyer actually paid.

A new remedy option (D) was added requiring operators to provide all necessary documentation to allow purchasers to host a private or community server for continued ordinary use of the game independent of operator-controlled services.

A new remedy option (E) was added requiring operators to provide a version of server software that the game can connect to for ordinary use, with an exception if the server software has additional hardware or software requirements beyond the original game - in which case it only applies if the operator communicated those requirements and they are reasonably attainable when services cease.

The bill no longer amends Section 7582.9 of the Business and Professions Code (private security services examination provision). The bill now focuses exclusively on the Protect Our Games Act.

The new section 20664 applies to any 'digital game' available for purchase on or after January 1, 2027, not just server-connected games. This significantly broadens coverage to include single-player and other digital games that rely on online authentication, DRM, or required updates.

New section 20664 requires digital game operators to notify purchasers and prospective purchasers 60 days before ceasing services necessary for ordinary use, including the cessation date, lost services, lost features, security risks, and how to continue using or obtain a refund. Notice must be given both directly through the game and publicly on the operator's website.

Beginning on the date services cease, the operator must provide the purchaser with at least one of: a standalone version usable without operator-controlled services, a patch or update enabling continued independent use, or a full refund of the purchase price.

New definition of 'digital game operator' covers any publisher, developer, or entity that controls whether a purchaser can make ordinary use of a game (including through authentication, server access, DRM, or required updates), but excludes general-purpose hosting, cloud computing, storage, network services, and online marketplaces that do not control ordinary use.

New definition of 'ordinary use' means the purchaser's ability to use core features consistent with reasonable expectations based on how the game was advertised or marketed at the time of purchase.

Section 20664 does not apply to: (1) subscription-based services offering access solely for the duration of the subscription, (2) digital games offered for no monetary consideration, or (3) games where the seller cannot revoke access after purchase, including those available for permanent offline download.

The fiscal committee designation changed from 'no' to 'yes,' indicating the bill now requires review by the Legislative Fiscal Committee, likely due to the expanded scope and new refund obligations.

Added an entirely new Chapter 6.8 (Sections 20660-20668) to Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code, creating the 'Protect Our Games Act' to regulate server-connected games published for sale on or after January 1, 2027.

Added definitions for key terms including 'server-connected game' (any game accessed using a person's own device while connected to a server hosted by a developer or publisher), 'end of life' (when a company ceases providing necessary updates or support), 'end of life plan,' 'product update,' 'security update,' 'vulnerability,' and 'support.'

Requires companies to notify the public on the product web page and notify users both two months before and on the date a game reaches end of life. Notifications must include information about actions customers can take, features lost, and likely security risks.

Prohibits publishers from selling, leasing, or otherwise distributing a server-connected game after the date that is two months before its end of life date.

Requires companies that lease or provide games as part of a service to ensure updates are promptly applied, notify customers when the game reaches end of life, and either replace the game at no cost with a comparable updatable game or release an end of life plan describing steps to continue running the game after support ends.

Authorizes the Attorney General or any district attorney to bring civil actions for violations of the new chapter, prosecuted in a court of competent jurisdiction in the name of the people of the State of California.

Retained the original nonsubstantive amendment to Section 7582.9 changing 'his or her' to 'their' for gender-neutral language regarding examination requirements for private security license applicants.