Protection is a hot-button topic in gaming right now. Sony is killing discs, closing digital storefronts, and deleting hundreds of movies and TV shows from people's libraries without compensation. Whenever grassroots online movements like Stop Killing Games pressure legislators to take action against publishers like Ubisoft and EA, shutting down entire games, making them completely accessible. So far, their appeals have been denied, but in Brazil, Federal Minister Feghali proposed a new bill seeking to improve consumer rights regarding digital media.
As reported by Push Square, the new bill seeks to prevent online games from being accessible after support ends. It requires that publishers not only warn consumers 180 days in advance, but guarantee a minimum support period of at least two years. If a game takes off, Feghali suggests that companies should update it to play offline, provide tools for the community to run it, or reimburse players based on how much time they spend in the game, or face fines.
These talking points are directly inspired by Stop Killing Games, but the bill is unlikely to pass right now. Feghali is an experienced politician of the Communist Party of Brazil, forming part of the current left-wing coalition, which certainly gives him an advantage to get the bill on the agenda of the committee, but it still needs to pass several standing committees and be voted on by the Chamber of Deputies, where it will be passed to the Senate for the final vote of the next president.
All the while, the industry will undoubtedly lobby against the bill. However, considering Brazil's strong consumer rights, we could see a compromised version passed – possibly a watered-down version of the requirement that reimbursement be removed, and that publishers make tools available to the community. Publishers will argue that offering a server architecture is a security risk, and that they cannot provide customers with proprietary middleware such as third-party anti-cheats. But they are more likely to use whatever tools they already have at their disposal to officially allow the community to keep the lights on. The 180-day rule and minimum support window are also highly likely to pass.
Brazilian politician calls for investigation into Sony, but EU won't budge
In addition to the new bill, federal deputy Erica Hilton has requested an investigation into Sony in connection with the recent announcement that it will stop producing new physical game discs in 2028, entering a digital-exclusive scenario for the post-PS6. Hilton argues that the move would restrict the rights of resale, credit and protection, and that those with poor internet connections who rely on physical discs – would potentially violate Brazil's consumer protection code.
It's a promising development, adding another layer of pressure after a Dutch non-profit group recently announced a $450 million lawsuit against the company over the move. However, the EU claims to be powerless to stop Sony, as the European Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, explained that “companies are free to offer games and services as they see fit, as long as consumer rights are fully protected in accordance with national and EU law.”
