Key information
Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres has introduced The Power to the Players Act, a legislative proposal designed to guarantee that consumers truly own their digital video games. The bill aims to shift the current industry standard, where users typically purchase a revocable license rather than actual ownership of the software.
Under the proposed regulations, the Federal Trade Commission would be tasked with protecting digital libraries. A key requirement of the bill mandates that online games include offline functionality, ensuring that content remains playable even after developers shut down official servers.
Torres highlighted the recent controversy surrounding NBA 2K25, which faced criticism for rendering single-player modes inaccessible due to server closures. He argued that current practices amount to rentals disguised as sales, noting that families deserve to keep the games they purchase long after companies move on.
The legislation addresses broader industry trends, such as the shift away from physical media seen with the upcoming release of GTA 6 and reports that PlayStation may abandon physical games by 2028. While the bill aligns with the goals of the Stop Killing Games movement, its future remains uncertain as it moves through the legislative process.
