GoKawiilRep. Ritchie Torres introduces 'Power to the Players Act' on game ownership
Representative Ritchie Torres has proposed federal legislation that would direct the FTC to create rules guaranteeing that purchased video games are owned outright rather than licensed, and would require games with online-dependent features to offer offline modes before servers are shut down. Torres cites NBA 2K25, which is being pulled from digital stores on October 30 and losing its servers on December 31, as an example of the problem the bill targets.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The bill marks the first federal attempt in the US to address a consumer-rights question the gaming industry has largely avoided, following high-profile server shutdowns like Ubisoft's The Crew that erased access to millions of purchased copies. Its narrow focus on games, rather than other digital media, suggests Torres sees it as a potential template that could later extend to movies, music or software, though the proposal currently lacks detailed enforcement mechanisms. The timing also follows setbacks for similar advocacy in Europe, where regulators opted for voluntary industry commitments instead of binding law.
- The bill would require FTC rules ensuring purchased games count as owned property, not revocable licenses.
- Games reliant on online servers would need an offline mode before shutdown.
- It follows the EU's decision to favor a voluntary code of conduct over legislation for the same issue.
NBA 2K25 (Physical Disc Edition) — If server shutdowns worry you, a physical disc copy gives you a tangible backup that doesn't vanish when a publisher flips a switch online. It's a timely pick given NBA 2K25's own looming server shutdown, letting you keep offline modes and resale rights intact. Owning the disc is the closest thing to true game ownership available right now.
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: techspot.com — Julio Franco, 2026-10-15
Published there as: “New proposed bill would make video games something you own, not rent”
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