Key information
US Representative Ritchie Torres has announced plans to introduce the Power To The Players Act. This proposed legislation aims to ensure that consumers maintain the right to own, play, and transfer the digital games they purchase, rather than treating these transactions as revocable rentals.
If enacted, the bill would task the US Federal Trade Commission with creating regulations to protect consumer ownership rights. The legislation specifically seeks to mandate that offline functionality remains accessible for games before they are officially decommissioned by publishers.
The initiative follows growing concerns regarding digital-only distribution and the shutdown of online titles. The Stop Killing Games campaign, led by Ross Scott and Moritz Katzner, has highlighted the issue by citing the 2024 closure of Ubisoft's The Crew, which rendered the game unplayable for purchasers.
While DRM-free platforms like GOG already allow for file backups, the proposed bill faces uncertainty regarding its enforcement. It remains unclear how the FTC would define ownership in a market where software copy protection is standard, as the legislation is not expected to mandate the removal of such protections.
