Proposed bill aims to give video game buyers true ownership

A new bill introduced by Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) aims to establish regulations that ensure when purchasing a video game, consumers receive ownership of the game rather than merely a license to play it. This proposal comes in the context of many video games becoming inaccessible after a relatively short period due to server shutdowns, as exemplified by NBA 2K25, which launched on September 6, 2025, but is set to become unplayable on December 31 of the same year.

## Why it matters This initiative is significant because it addresses a growing issue in the video game industry, where players often face limitations from licensing agreements that do not grant them real rights over the products they have purchased. The proposal could change how consumers view their video game purchases, providing them with greater control and security regarding their access.

## What we know The bill, known as the Power to Players Act, directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to take action to prevent situations like server shutdowns from leaving users without access to the games they have bought. This could set a significant precedent in the regulation of digital product ownership.

## What remains unclear It is still unclear how this legislation will be implemented in practice and what specific measures the FTC will take to ensure consumers retain access to their video games in the future. Additionally, how video game companies will respond to this proposal is yet to be determined.