Rep. Ritchie Torres is proposing the Power To The Players Act, federal legislation that would protect video game ownership in the United States. The proposal would give buyers stronger rights to purchased games and require offline functionality before publishers shut down servers. It would also direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to set consumer-protection rules.
Torres, a Democrat representing New York’s 15th Congressional District, announced the proposal on October 15, 2026. His announcement challenges a common industry practice: selling digital games under licenses that may restrict ownership, resale, and long-term access. The legislation has not become law, and its complete statutory language has not been released.
What the Power To The Players Act Would Require
According to Torres’ official announcement, the proposal would establish ownership protections for purchased video games. Consumers would gain rights to own, play, and transfer their games rather than receive only revocable licenses.
The legislation would also require games with online functionality to provide an offline mode before their supporting servers close. This could let players keep using purchased titles after publishers discontinue online services.
The proposal does not explain how offline requirements would apply to games built entirely around online multiplayer. It also leaves questions about digital resale, account transfers, and enforcement. The final legislative text and any subsequent FTC regulations would need to clarify those details.
Why Digital Game Ownership Is Under Scrutiny
Digital distribution has changed how consumers access games. Players can buy titles through online storefronts, but those transactions often grant licenses rather than unrestricted ownership.
For example, Valve’s Steam Subscriber Agreement states that Valve licenses digital content rather than sells it. These licenses can restrict transferring games and may depend on continued access to platform services.
The distinction becomes more significant as publishers reduce physical game distribution. Unlike many physical copies, digital purchases generally cannot be freely resold or transferred between accounts.
TechAmerica.ai previously examined this shift in its coverage of changing gaming hardware costs and digital distribution. That analysis highlighted how the decline of physical media gives platform operators greater control over access and resale.
California has already addressed part of the issue through Assembly Bill 2426. The law requires clearer disclosures when digital products are sold as licenses rather than unrestricted purchases. Torres’ proposal would go further by seeking substantive ownership rights rather than disclosure alone.
NBA 2K25 Highlights the Server Shutdown Problem
Torres identified NBA 2K25 as an example of the problem his legislation seeks to address. The basketball game launched in September 2024, with its standard edition priced at $69.99.
According to 2K’s official shutdown notice, the game will leave digital storefronts on October 30, 2026. Its online services are scheduled to close December 31, with online features becoming unavailable January 1, 2027.
That shutdown will disable MyCAREER, MyTEAM, multiplayer matches, and other connected features. However, existing owners can still download the game and use supported offline modes, including Play Now and MyNBA.
The distinction matters. NBA 2K25 will not become entirely unplayable, but customers will lose access to major features they previously purchased. The proposed legislation aims to reduce dependence on publisher-controlled infrastructure.
What Happens Next for the Gaming Industry?
The Power To The Players Act remains an early legislative proposal. Torres has announced his intention to introduce it, but key implementation questions remain unanswered.
Requiring offline support could create technical challenges for developers of live-service and multiplayer games. Publishers may also oppose changes affecting digital licensing, distribution agreements, and resale rights.
For consumers, the proposal addresses a straightforward concern: whether purchasing a game should guarantee meaningful access after its publisher stops supporting it. The final impact will depend on the legislation, congressional support, and the FTC’s authority to enforce new rules.
For now, existing digital game licenses and shutdown policies remain in place. Torres’ announcement nevertheless brings the debate over game ownership and long-term access directly into federal policymaking.
