Rep. Torres Introduces Bill to Protect Digital Game Ownership Rights
Rep. Ritchie Torres proposes the Power To The Players Act securing digital game ownership beyond server shutdowns.
Why it matters: This legislation targets a critical legal gap where consumers currently lose access to purchased digital games once publishers shut down servers. Legal teams in tech and IP must monitor as it could redefine digital content ownership and consumer protection.
- The Power To The Players Act was announced on October 15, 2026, by Rep. Ritchie Torres.
- The bill requires the FTC to set rules ensuring game purchases confer ownership, not just licenses.
- Games with online features must offer offline modes before server shutdowns to maintain access.
- NBA 2K25 exemplifies the issue: set to become unplayable after December 31, 2026, when servers close.
On October 15, 2026, U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres introduced the Power To The Players Act, a legislative move to ensure consumers gain actual ownership of digital video games rather than mere licenses. Torres emphasized, "When you pay for a game, you should own it," highlighting consumer frustration over losing access once companies shut servers.
The bill empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to establish regulations guaranteeing that buying a game grants rights to play and transfer it. Moreover, it mandates that games offering online functionalities implement offline modes before backend server support ends, preserving gamers' access.
One practical example Torres cited is NBA 2K25, released on September 6, 2025. Despite its $69.99 standard and $99.99 All-Star editions being sold as purchases, the game will become unplayable on December 31, 2026, due to planned server shutdowns — essentially revoking access from paying customers. Torres called this "a rental disguised as a sale."
The act follows growing consumer advocacy campaigns like "Stop Killing Games," which protest the loss of purchased game access when companies discontinue support. The legislation aligns with broader debates around digital content ownership, pushing for clearer, fairer consumer rights.
Some details remain unclear, including how the FTC will enforce these rules and whether the law will retroactively apply to existing games. Industry opposition and the bill’s legislative prospects have yet to surface.
By the numbers:
- September 6, 2025 — NBA 2K25 release date
- December 31, 2026 — NBA 2K25 server shutdown date
- $69.99 — Standard edition price for NBA 2K25
- $99.99 — All-Star edition price for NBA 2K25
Yes, but: Details on FTC enforcement mechanisms and retroactive application to existing games remain unspecified, and publisher opposition could arise.
What's next: Watch for FTC regulatory proposals and potential industry pushback as the Power To The Players Act advances through Congress.