Server-connected games: updates and support period.

Existing law requires every videogame retailer to post a sign, within the retail establishment in a prominent area, providing information to consumers about a videogame rating system or notifying consumers that a rating system is available to aid in the selection of a game, and to make available to consumers, upon request, information that explains the videogame rating system. This bill would impose requirements on publishers and companies with regard to server-connected games published for sale on or after January 1, 2027, including, among other things, requiring a company to provide notification of the game's end of life to the public and to users, as specified, and prohibiting a publisher from selling, leasing, or otherwise distributing the game after the date that is 2 months before the end of life date for the game. The bill would define "server-connected game" to mean any game that a person accesses using their own device while connected to a server hosted by a game developer or game publisher, as specified, "end of life" to mean the point at which the company ceases providing necessary updates or support for a server-connected game, even if the game is still in use, and other terms for its purposes. The bill would authorize the Attorney General or a district attorney to bring a civil action for a violation of these provisions.