Torres Introduces Federal Bill to Mandate Video Game Ownership and Offline Modes

Key points

• Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) introduced the Power To The Players Act, directing the Federal Trade Commission to regulate video game sales.
• The bill aims to guarantee that purchasing a game grants ownership, including the right to play and transfer it, rather than a revocable license.
• Legislation requires developers to implement offline modes for online-dependent games before shutting down supporting servers.
• Torres cited NBA 2K25 as a primary example, noting its delisting on October 30 and server shutdown on December 31, just two years after release.
• The bill faces potential hurdles regarding technical feasibility for online-only games and industry opposition to digital resale rights.

Background

This proposal follows a broader movement advocating for game preservation, including the Stop Killing Games campaign which gathered nearly 1.3 million signatures in the EU. Similar efforts, such as Pennsylvania's Protect Our Games Act and California's stalled legislation, have faced resistance from industry groups like the ESA. Recent events, such as Sony's plan to phase out physical discs by 2028 and the closure of the Legacy Games storefront, have heightened concerns about the fragility of digital ownership.

How outlets are covering it

The Verge and Ars Technica emphasize the consumer protection aspect, framing the bill as a restoration of historical norms where buying a game meant owning it. Ars Technica highlights technical concerns, noting that some online games may not feasibly support offline modes without significant architectural changes. TechPowerUp points to industry pushback, particularly regarding the right to transfer games, which would enable digital resale currently prohibited by major storefronts. The House.gov press release focuses on the economic impact, stating that families in the Bronx and across the country deserve better than a 'rental disguised as a sale.'

Why it matters

The bill addresses growing consumer frustration over the loss of access to purchased games due to server shutdowns and delistings. If passed, it could fundamentally shift the legal framework of digital media ownership, potentially impacting how companies design and support online games. It also signals a potential regulatory shift toward consumer rights in the digital entertainment sector.

What to watch

The bill must now navigate the legislative process, facing potential opposition from industry groups and technical challenges in implementation. The full text of the bill is not yet publicly available, making it difficult to assess its enforceability. Industry stakeholders, including the ESA, are likely to lobby against provisions that mandate offline modes or digital resale.