Video game ownership bill introduced in Congress

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   US Lawmaker Introduces Bill For Video Game Ownership

   US Representative Ritchie Torres has introduced the Power To The Players Act in Congress, aiming to secure genuine ownership for video game buyers rather than mere software licenses. The proposed legislation directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish regulations ensuring that consumers actually own the titles they purchase. Additionally, the bill would mandate that publishers provide offline modes or keep games functional before supported servers shut down. Representative Torres criticized current industry practices by describing digital purchases as rentals disguised as sales.

   Why it matters

   Digital storefronts frequently sell games as revocable licenses rather than permanent property, leaving consumers vulnerable when publishers shut down online servers. This legislative push directly challenges standard industry models used by major platforms like PlayStation. If enacted, the measure would force publishers to alter how they handle game preservation and server termination.

   What is confirmed

   • US Representative Ritchie Torres introduced the Power To The Players Act in Congress.
   • The legislation directs the Federal Trade Commission to establish rules ensuring consumers own their video games instead of holding licenses.
   • The bill would require publishers to provide offline modes or keep games functional before supported servers shut down.
   • Representative Ritchie Torres stated that current digital game purchases are rentals disguised as sales.

   What to watch next

   • Congressional committee assignments and hearings for the Power To The Players Act
   • Federal Trade Commission response to proposed regulatory duties
   • Video game industry lobbying and trade group statements
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. gamerant.com — The Witcher 3 Remastered Mods Prove Why Skyrim Still Matters
   2. Ars Technica — US Rep proposes bill to give video game buyers "ownership," not "a license"
   3. House.gov — Rep. Torres Announces Power To The Players Act, Legislation to Ensure Gamers Own Their Games
   4. Kotaku — Rep. Ritchie Torres Announces Congressional Legislation To Protect Video Game Ownership: 'If You Pay For It, You Own It'
   5. TechPowerUp — Rep. Ritchie Torres Wants Gamers to Own the Games They Buy, Announces Power To The Players Act
   6. The Verge — Video game ownership bill introduced in Congress
   7. GAMINGbible — Digital game ownership gets huge boost as US law hits back at PlayStation
   8. Gamereactor UK — US Proposal Could Require Offline Modes Before Servers Shut Down
   9. Yahoo — New York Rep Introduces Bill That Could Keep Games Playable for Longer
   10. thenextweb.com — Power To The Players Act would make the games you buy ... - TNW
   11. 1023jack.com — NY Announces Game Ownership Bill Requiring Ownership Rather Than Licensing - 1023 Jack
   12. kick.com — clavicular Clips & Highlights - Best Moments on KICK
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