Full Breakdown
Rep. Ritchie Torres Introduces “Power to the Players” Act to Secure Digital Game Ownership
By Drooid · · How we work
Legislation Introduced
Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) announced the Power to the Players Act, a bill that would direct the Federal Trade Commission (Fedral Trade Commission (FTC)) to create regulations guaranteeing that consumers own the video games they purchase rather than holding only a revocable license. The legislation also requires that online-enabled games provide an offline mode before any server shutdown, preserving playability after a company ends support.
Industry Context
In recent years, major publishers have shifted toward digital-only distribution. Sony plans to discontinue physical games for its next-generation consoles beginning in 2028, and GTA 6 will launch without a physical edition this November, eliminating the possibility of resale. Critics argue this trend turns purchases into temporary rentals. A prominent example is NBA 2K25, which is scheduled to be removed from digital storefronts on October 30 and to have its online servers shut down on December 31, despite being only two years old.
Key Provisions and Data
- Ownership vs. License: The bill redefines a digital purchase as ownership, allowing consumers to retain, transfer, or resell the game.
- Offline Functionality: Developers must embed an offline mode for any game with online features before server termination.
- Pricing Example: NBA 2K25’s standard edition retails for $69.99 and the All-Star edition for $99.99.
Official Statements & Verbatim Quotes
- “Consumers must have the right to own, the right to play, and the right to transfer the games they buy,” — Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres
- “When you pay for a game, you should own it,” — Rep. Torres