Saturday 17 October 2026
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US Politics

US Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Secure Ownership Rights for Video Game Buyers

Power to Players Act targets industry practice of selling licenses that can be revoked, citing NBA 2K25 delisting

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) has introduced the Power to Players Act, a bill that would require video game purchases to confer ownership rather than a revocable license, directing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prevent games from becoming unplayable due to server shutdowns. The legislation cites NBA 2K25, which launched in September 2025 and is scheduled to become unplayable on December 31, as an example of the problem it aims to solve.

The proposed Power to Players Act would establish new regulations ensuring that buying a video game gives the consumer ownership of the game rather than a license to play it. This includes assurances that buyers can continue to access the games for years after release, even if the publisher decides to shut down servers.

Rep. Torres announced the bill by naming NBA 2K25 as a case in point. That game, released on September 6, 2025, is scheduled to become unplayable on December 31 due to planned server shutdowns. The single-player story mode will also become inaccessible, highlighting what the bill's supporters describe as a growing consumer protection issue.

The bill directs the FTC to take action against publishers who sell games that later become unplayable, effectively deeming the original purchase a license rather than true ownership. The legislation does not specify penalties but tasks the agency with developing rules to prevent such outcomes in the future.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • Video game consumers increasingly face the risk of losing access to purchased titles when publishers shut down online servers or delist games, raising questions about digital ownership.
  • The bill could reshape how publishers sell and support games, forcing them to ensure long-term accessibility or change their business models.
  • If passed, it may set a precedent for other digital goods like movies, music, or software, where similar licensing practices are common.

Background

Video game publishers have long sold physical and digital copies under end-user license agreements (EULAs) that treat the transaction as a license grant, not a sale. This allows companies to revoke access if servers are taken offline or if licensing agreements expire. While physical discs could still be played offline, modern games increasingly require online authentication or server connections for single-player content. Consumer advocates have argued that the disconnect between the common understanding of "buying" a game and the legal reality of licensing has left buyers vulnerable. The Power to Players Act is the latest attempt in Congress to address this issue.

Key Perspectives

[Gamers/Consumer advocates]: They argue that purchasing a game should mean permanent access, not a temporary license. The NBA 2K25 situation exemplifies the frustration of losing access to a product they paid for, including single-player modes that do not require multiplayer servers. [Game publishers]: Publishers typically defend the licensing model, citing server maintenance costs, licensing for music or team likenesses, and the need to manage legacy content. They may argue that a strict ownership mandate could lead to higher upfront prices or reduced support for older titles. [The FTC]: The commission would be tasked with defining and enforcing new rules around game ownership. Its approach to rulemaking will determine how broadly the bill's protections apply and whether they extend to other digital products.

What to Watch

  • The bill's progress through committee and whether it attracts bipartisan co-sponsors in the House.
  • The FTC's response to the directive, including any preliminary studies or public comment periods.
  • How major publishers respond to the proposal, especially those with delisted or server-dependent games in their catalogues.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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