Lawmakers Push Digital Game Ownership Protections

Pennsylvania legislators propose rules requiring notice and remedies when digitally purchased video games are discontinued or altered.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Gaming

Flat-color graphic illustration of a broken lock dissolving into square fragments over a deep navy field, with a cracked gold outline floating in the corner. — Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing legislation that would require notice and remedies when digitally purchased video games are discontinued or altered, after Senate bill SB 1506 was introduced last week. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should game companies be required to let buyers keep playing games they purchased?

Rep. Jennifer O'Mara plans to introduce legislation protecting consumers who buy digital video games, following the State Senate's introduction of SB 1506, the Protect Our Games Act, last week. Many digital buyers only receive a license to access a game, which a company can render unusable by shutting down online services.

Why it matters

Digital game purchases often grant access rather than ownership, leaving buyers without recourse when a title is discontinued. The proposals aim to give Pennsylvania consumers clearer rights and remedies over games they have paid for.

The proposed rules would require a 60-day notice before a game is discontinued or changed, with remedies including offline play, an online-capable patch, or a refund of at least 25% of the purchase price. Subscription games, free titles without in-game purchases, and games with permanent offline access would be exempt.

The players

Jennifer O'Mara

A Pennsylvania state representative who plans to introduce House legislation protecting consumers who buy digital video games.

John Kane

A Pennsylvania state senator whose district constituents raised concerns about digital game licensing agreements that can be changed at any time.

The details

O'Mara outlined the plan in a memo to fellow House members and intends to introduce companion legislation to the State Senate bill. The Senate measure was prompted by constituent concerns in Senator John Kane's district about licensing agreements that can be changed at any time.

Last week: State Senate introduced SB 1506, the Protect Our Games Act.
November 3, 2026: O'Mara's memo and proposed companion legislation were reported.

Culture Shift

The push comes as the Protect Our Games Act moves through the Pennsylvania State Senate, signaling that legislators are testing whether consumers should hold ownership-like rights over digital entertainment. The effort reflects a broader shift in how buyers of licensed digital goods are beginning to question access terms.

If enacted, the bills would give Pennsylvania buyers of digital games a 60-day warning before a title is discontinued and a refund option of at least 25% of the purchase price. Gamers would still lack these protections for subscription titles, free games without in-game purchases, or games with permanent offline access.

The takeaway

Buyers of digital games should check whether a purchase grants ownership or only a license before relying on continued access. The proposed rules would shift some of that risk back to publishers if they pass.