US Representative Proposes Bill for Video Game Ownership
Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) has introduced a bill aimed at granting consumers actual ownership of video games, rather than just a license to play. The legislation seeks to ensure continued access to games.
Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) has proposed new legislation, the "Power to Players Act," designed to redefine the nature of video game purchases. The bill mandates that consumers should receive true ownership of the games they buy, instead of merely a license to play. This aims to ensure that players can continue to access their purchased games for years after their release.
Torres highlighted current practices as problematic, citing NBA 2K25 as an example. This game is scheduled to become unplayable on December 31, 2025, due to server shutdowns, despite launching in September 2025. Such outcomes prevent consumers from enjoying purchased content over the long term.
The "Power to Players Act" would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to take action against such practices. The goal is to establish clearer regulations within the gaming industry that protect consumer rights and guarantee the accessibility of purchased digital content.
The bill is currently in its early stages of the legislative process. If passed, it could significantly alter how digital video game copies are sold and managed in the United States.