Rep. Ritchie Torres has introduced the Power To The Players Act, aiming to secure consumer ownership of video games upon purchase, rather than a licensing agreement. This legislation would require the Federal Trade Commission to establish regulations that protect players' rights to their games.
The bill addresses growing concerns about game playability, particularly as companies increasingly require online connections. With examples like NBA 2K25 becoming unplayable after server shutdowns, the legislation seeks to ensure that consumers can access games even if online services are discontinued.
Watch for the FTC's upcoming regulations if the Power To The Players Act passes, as they could reshape how digital ownership is defined. Players should also monitor how developers adapt to these potential requirements, especially regarding offline modes and server shutdowns.