Full Breakdown
Congress Considers “Power To The Players” Act to Secure Video Game Ownership
By Drooid · · How we work
Legislative Proposal Introduced
Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York’s 15th congressional district introduced the Power To The Players Act this week. The bill would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create regulations that treat a purchased video game as property rather than a mere license, thereby guaranteeing consumer ownership.
Background: Server Shutdowns and Ownership Concerns
The proposal follows recent industry moves that limit players’ ability to retain games after purchase. 2K Sports announced it will delist NBA 2K25 from digital storefronts at the end of the month and shut down its online servers on December 31 (scheduled), rendering the title unplayable without an internet connection. Additionally, Sony has signaled a plan to phase out physical game discs in 2028, further shifting the market toward server-dependent experiences.
Core Requirements of the Bill
If enacted, the legislation would require the FTC to:
- Define a purchased game as ownership, not a temporary license.
- Mandate that developers provide an offline mode before discontinuing server support for any title.
The bill mirrors the Protect Our Games Act introduced by State Sen. John Kane in Pennsylvania, which also calls for an offline gaming option, an independent online mode, or at least a 25 percent refund when a game is sunset.
Official Statements & Responses
In announcing the legislation, Rep. Torres emphasized that current licensing practices allow companies to “pull the plug” on games, effectively turning sales into rentals. He argued that the act would give players the right to keep and transfer games they have paid for, and would compel developers to preserve playability through offline functionality when server shutdowns occur.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A game that can be taken away the moment a company pulls the plug is not a purchase. It is a rental disguised as a sale.” — Rep. Torres — Rep. Ritchie Torres, member of the U.S. House of Representatives.