GoKawiilRep. Ritchie Torres to introduce federal bill protecting video game ownership
New York Democratic Representative Ritchie Torres plans to introduce the Power to the Players Act, which would direct the FTC to ensure consumers actually own purchased video games rather than licensing them, and to require offline modes when publishers shut down servers. The bill cites NBA 2K25 as an example, noting the $70 game will be delisted October 30 and lose online server support by December, just two years after release.
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The proposal echoes the grassroots Stop Killing Games campaign and could, according to Torres, extend similar ownership protections to digital books, movies and music if enacted. However, the bill faces uncertain prospects since a similar California measure stalled in committee, and the Supreme Court's 2024 overturning of Chevron deference may weaken the FTC's regulatory authority to enforce such rules even if passed.
- Torres' Power to the Players Act would require FTC rules ensuring game ownership and offline modes after server shutdowns
- NBA 2K25's October 30 delisting and December server shutdown are cited as a key example motivating the bill
- Similar state-level efforts and reduced FTC regulatory power under post-Chevron rulings create uncertainty for the bill's success
NBA 2K25 (Physical Disc Edition) — With NBA 2K25 facing delisting and server shutdowns, grabbing a physical disc copy is one of the few ways to ensure you can still play the single-player and offline content long after digital licenses vanish. It's a timely pick given the exact ownership concerns raised by this proposed legislation.
See NBA 2K25 (Physical Disc Edition) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Ian Carlos Campbell, 2026-10-15
Published there as: “NY congressman to introduce bill protecting video game ownership”
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