Prices will rise, indie developers will go bankrupt: ESA criticized the "eternal" game support law
Lobbyists for major publishers are trying to block the Protect Our Games Act, scaring players with rising prices for new releases and a crisis in the indie segment.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) criticized bill AB 1921, also known as the Protect Our Games Act. If approved, it would require publishers, upon closing online game servers, to fulfill one of three conditions: continue supporting the project, redevelop it for offline operation, or refund all buyers.
ESA head Stan Pierre-Louis stated that the initiative, created with the support of Stop Killing Games, does not take into account the principles of modern online games. According to the association, the requirements to ensure "eternal" game functionality or refund buyers could lead developers to a dead end.
In particular, lobbyists are warning of a severe blow to the indie segment. Almost two-thirds of game companies in the US are micro-studios with fewer than 10 employees, and the costs of endless server maintenance or complete code rework for offline mode could simply lead them to bankruptcy.
Furthermore, to compensate for hypothetical legal risks and future refunds, publishers would be forced to factor these costs into the price of new releases, which would lead to higher game prices for end consumers.
"Every dollar spent on legacy systems is a dollar not invested in creating something new. Maintaining old systems is inefficient and expensive, and these costs are ultimately passed on to consumers. This bill may seem consumer-friendly, but ultimately it harms both players and content creators."
Another problem, according to the ESA, is temporary licenses for music, cars, or actors' likenesses. The association believes the law would force companies to either endlessly renew licenses or cut content, thereby violating the integrity of the original work. As a result, the industry would simply stop taking risks and investing in ambitious, long-term online projects.
"If every game becomes a lifelong commitment, companies will release them less frequently – especially large-scale online worlds, which modern players love the most."
Recall that bill AB 1921 has already passed the lower house of the California legislature. The document now faces a final vote in the State Senate, where the ESA and other industry representatives will likely try to block it.
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