US Lawmaker Proposes Power to the Players Act for Game Ownership

U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres plans to introduce the Power To The Players Act, a proposal that would direct the Federal Trade Commission to set rules protecting people who buy video games. Torres announced the proposal on October 15, citing concerns that digital purchases can be revocable licences and that online games may stop working when support ends.

What the proposal would require

Under the proposed measure, buying a game would give a consumer ownership rather than only a licence. Games with online features would also need an offline mode before their supporting servers shut down. These are proposed requirements; the announcement does not mean the Act has become law.

Torres pointed to NBA 2K25 as an example of the issue, saying it was due to leave digital storefronts on October 30, 2026, with online servers scheduled to close on December 31.

Source: Office of Rep. Ritchie Torres