Video game ownership bill introduced in Congress

Representative Ritchie Torres from New York's 15th congressional district has introduced the 'Power To The Players Act' this week, a bill designed to guarantee that consumers own the video games they buy, rather than merely holding a license to use them. This initiative comes at a time when many games require a connection to servers, meaning that if a company decides to shut down those servers, the games can become unplayable.

Torres highlights a growing issue in the gaming industry, where consumers often believe they own a product, only to find that their access is limited by corporate decisions. A recent example he cites is NBA 2K25, which is set to be delisted from storefronts and have its servers shut down, leaving players without access to the game.

## Why it matters This bill could significantly change the relationship between players and video game companies. If enacted, consumers would have more rights over their purchases, potentially altering how companies develop and distribute their games.

## What we know The 'Power To The Players Act' has been officially introduced in Congress, aiming for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish clear regulations regarding video game ownership. This could provide greater consumer protection and ensure that when players pay for a game, they receive actual ownership of the product rather than just a license.

## What remains unclear It is still unclear how these regulations will be implemented if the bill is passed, and it has not been confirmed whether it will receive the necessary support to move forward in the legislative process. The implications of this change in ownership will also depend on the industry's response to these new regulations.