US Representative Introduces Plan To Preserve Digital Game Ownership

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   US Lawmaker Unveils Bill To Protect Digital Game Ownership

   US Representative Ritchie Torres has announced the Power To The Players Act, federal legislation designed to secure actual ownership rights for digital video game buyers rather than standard software licenses. The proposed bill directs the Federal Trade Commission to protect digital game ownership, resale rights, and offline play options. It also aims to prevent publishers from rendering games non-functional after official support concludes. The initiative follows growing concerns over digital-only purchases and shifting industry practices regarding consumer access to purchased media.

   Why it matters

   Digital distribution has largely replaced physical media in the video game industry, leaving consumers dependent on software licenses that companies can revoke or render unplayable. The reliance on online servers means that once publishers shut down support for older titles, players often lose access entirely. Federal oversight in this area has historically been minimal, leaving buyers with few legal protections when digital storefronts alter terms of service or close.

   What is confirmed

   • US Representative Ritchie Torres has announced the Power To The Players Act.
   • The legislation aims to ensure video game buyers receive ownership rather than just a license.
   • The bill directs the Federal Trade Commission to protect digital game ownership, resale rights, and offline play.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Sony is preparing to end PlayStation discs, prompting the timing of the new legislative push.

   What to watch next

   • Congressional committee assignments and hearings regarding the Power To The Players Act
   • Federal Trade Commission responses or policy adjustments related to digital software licenses
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. gardnermagazine.com — Local News Greater Gardner MA Government – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA
   2. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Saudi Arabia Turns To Iran Amid Houthi Strikes, Dealing Trump A Major Gulf Blow? - Times of India Videos
   3. www.polygon.com — I really want to get back into The Witcher 3 but I have save game anxiety
   4. Ars Technica — US Rep proposes bill to give video game buyers "ownership," not "a license"
   5. House.gov — Rep. Torres Announces Power To The Players Act, Legislation to Ensure Gamers Own Their Games
   6. Kotaku — Rep. Ritchie Torres Announces Congressional Legislation To Protect Video Game Ownership: 'If You Pay For It, You Own It'
   7. Tom's Hardware — New York rep announces game ownership bill that would require consumer ownership rather than sale of licenses — would also require publishers to keep the game functional after support ends
   8. Polygon.com — US Representative Introduces Plan To Preserve Digital Game Ownership
   9. shattered.io — Power To The Players Act: Torres Bill Targets Game Ownership [2026]
   10. Kotaku — How Should Video Game Ownership Work In An All-Digital Future?
   11. TechPowerUp — Rep. Ritchie Torres Wants Gamers to Own the Games They Buy, Announces Power To The Players Act
   12. www.invenglobal.com — "If You Buy a Game, It's Yours": US Representative to ...
   confidence 100%