US Representative Proposes Bill to Grant True Ownership Rights to Video Game Buyers

Image: Ars Technica · Source

A new bill by Rep. Ritchie Torres seeks to ensure consumers own video games they purchase, not just license to play, addressing issues like server shutdowns preventing game access.

In response to ongoing concerns about consumer rights and video game preservation, U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) has introduced the Power to Players Act. This legislation aims to redefine how video games are sold, ensuring that when consumers buy a game, they actually own it rather than merely receiving a license to play it. This would include guarantees enabling buyers to access their games indefinitely, even after official support ends.

Representative Torres highlighted the problem with current industry practices, citing NBA 2K25 as a case study. Released on September 6, 2025, this game was slated to become unplayable on December 31 of the same year due to server shutdowns. Such occurrences effectively transform purchased games into rentals, which the bill seeks to prevent. Torres emphasized the importance of genuine ownership, stating that paying for a game should grant the right to play and transfer it without fear of sudden disappearance.

The bill comes amid a wider debate about game ownership and preservation, as digital sales increasingly dominate. Sony's recent decision to discontinue physical releases for PlayStation games sparked consumer protests, reflecting concerns about long-term accessibility. While physical media can aid preservation, many games on discs still rely on online servers and licenses that do not guarantee permanent ownership. Moreover, patching practices mean the disc versions often differ significantly from the final playable versions.

Technically, the bill requires online-only games to include offline modes for continued play after servers shut down, potentially challenging current game architectures. While it does not explicitly mandate indefinite server operation, it promotes design changes to preserve player access. However, the bill faces significant legislative hurdles ahead and its full text remains unavailable, leaving questions about enforceability and effectiveness.

Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence tools enabling unauthorized decompilation and modification of video games complicates the preservation landscape. Although generally illegal, such efforts could impact how software preservation evolves in the future.

Overall, the Power to Players Act represents a notable legislative effort to realign video game sales toward genuine consumer ownership, addressing longstanding industry and player concerns about access and preservation.