Representative Ritchie Torres, a Democrat from New York, has announced his intention to introduce the "Power To The Players Act." This proposed legislation seeks to establish federal regulations through the US Federal Trade Commission, ensuring consumers retain the ability to own and play their purchased video games.
"When you pay for a game, you should own it," Torres stated in a press release. "Consumers must have the right to own, the right to play, and the right to transfer the games they buy. A game that can be taken away the moment a company pulls the plug is not a purchase. It is a rental disguised as a sale."
The issue of game ownership, particularly with digital purchases, has become increasingly prominent. As consoles transition further away from physical media, with Sony planning to end physical disc production in 2028, the debate over what constitutes true ownership has intensified. PC gaming has grappled with this for years due to digital distribution models.
The bill also addresses the related problem of online games being shut down, rendering them unplayable even if players have purchased them. The "Stop Killing Games" campaign has been a notable advocate for this cause, arguing that offline functionality should be preserved when online services are discontinued. The campaign has pointed to titles like Ubisoft's "The Crew," which went offline in 2024, preventing players from accessing even its single-player components.
The "Power To The Players Act" aims to foster a more genuine sense of ownership for purchased games, moving away from what are effectively revocable licenses. It also seeks to mandate that offline modes be available before online games are permanently shut down.
For games purchased through DRM-free platforms, such as GOG, ownership is a straightforward matter, as users retain the game files indefinitely. The practical application of the "Power To The Players Act" is expected to result in a broader definition of ownership, rather than a complete overhaul of copy protection measures. Further details on the bill's enforcement mechanisms are anticipated as Torres' office provides more information.