GoKawiilRep. Torres introduces federal bill requiring true ownership of purchased video games
Representative Ritchie Torres of New York has introduced the Power To The Players Act, which would direct the FTC to create rules ensuring buyers actually own games they pay for rather than merely licensing them. The bill also would require developers to add offline modes before shutting down servers that games depend on. Torres cited NBA 2K25, which 2K is delisting and cutting server support for by December 31st, as an example of the problem.
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The proposal reflects growing unease over digital ownership as publishers increasingly tie games to servers that can be shut down at will, a concern amplified by Sony's plan to phase out physical discs by 2028. It echoes state-level efforts like Pennsylvania's Protect Our Games Act, suggesting momentum for legislation that could reshape how publishers handle game delisting and server shutdowns nationwide. Whether such measures pass or survive industry pushback remains uncertain.
- The Power To The Players Act would make FTC regulate games as owned purchases, not licenses.
- It would require offline modes before companies cut server support.
- It follows similar state legislation and concerns over Sony's planned 2028 phase-out of physical discs.
NBA 2K25 Physical Edition (PS5) — With digital delistings and server shutdowns threatening access to games like NBA 2K25, owning a physical disc copy ensures you can keep playing even if the publisher pulls the plug on online services. It's a tangible way to actually own your game rather than relying on a revocable license, exactly the issue this new bill aims to address.
See NBA 2K25 Physical Edition (PS5) 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: theverge.com — Terrence O'Brien, 2026-10-18
Published there as: “Video game ownership bill introduced in Congress”
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