Congressman proposes bill to guarantee ownership of purchased video games

Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) is set to introduce the Power to the Players Act, which would task the Federal Trade Commission with establishing rules that ensure buyers retain full ownership of digital video games. The legislation aims to prevent scenarios like NBA 2K25, released in 2024 for $70, being pulled from storefronts and having its online servers disabled, which would effectively strip purchasers of the product they paid for.

Under the bill, companies would have to provide an offline play option if they discontinue server support. Torres argues the change would restore the pre-digital-era norm of true ownership and could eventually cover other digital media such as e-books, films and music. Critics note the proposal may stall in committee, and recent Supreme Court rulings limiting agency authority could curb the FTC's ability to enforce it. The effort follows similar, unsuccessful attempts at the state level in California and aligns with the Stop Killing Games campaign’s advocacy for consumer rights in the gaming market.