Legislative Push for Ownership
Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York introduced the Power To The Players Act, a bill that would direct the Federal Trade Commission to establish regulations guaranteeing that consumers actually own a video game when they pay for it, rather than merely acquiring a revocable licensing agreement.
Video game ownership bill introduced in Congress
The proposed legislation seeks to fundamentally alter how digital and physical titles are sold, ensuring that purchasing a title grants permanent ownership rights.
Server Closures and Game Preservation
Modern gaming heavily relies on permanent server connections, leaving titles completely unplayable once publishers decide to pull the plug. Rep. Torres highlighted NBA 2K25 as a prime example, noting its impending delisting and server shutdown, which severely limits future access.
Growing anxieties regarding preservation, resale rights, and consumer protection intensified after reports indicated industry shifts away from physical media. Highlighting the core issue, Rep. Torres stated that a product subject to sudden withdrawal is merely a rental disguised as a purchase.
Proposed Requirements for Developers
Beyond establishing clear ownership rights, the bill would compel developers to implement a functional offline mode prior to sunsetting supporting servers. This mirrors similar state-level legislative efforts, such as Pennsylvania's proposed Protect Our Games Act, which mandates offline alternatives or partial refunds when titles reach end-of-life.
