Ritchie Torres proposes US bill to ensure video game ownership

U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres has announced plans to introduce the ‘Power To The Players Act,’ a legislative proposal aimed at transforming how digital video games are owned and consumed. The bill seeks to address the growing trend of digital-only distribution, where consumers often purchase revocable licenses rather than true ownership.

If passed, the legislation would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish regulations ensuring that consumers have the right to own, play, and transfer purchased games. A key provision would require publishers to provide an offline mode for games with online functionality before their supporting servers are shut down, preventing titles from becoming unplayable.

Torres described current industry practices as ‘a rental disguised as a sale,’ citing examples like NBA 2K25, which faces upcoming server shutdowns and delisting. The proposal also aims to protect the right to resell digital titles, challenging the standard business models used by major digital storefronts and publishers.