US Rep Announces Congressional Legislation to Protect Video Game Ownership
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
New bill would let gamers own games instead of renting revocable licenses.
Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) introduced the Power To The Players Act, directing the FTC to regulate video game purchases as ownership, not licenses. The bill cites NBA 2K25, which cost $69.99-$99.99 and will be delisted October 30 with servers shut December 31, two years after release. It would require offline modes before server shutdowns and preserve resale rights.
What commenters are saying
Commenters broadly support the bill but debate its scope and feasibility. A top comment argues video games are a good starting point for broader consumer ownership rights, though one notes Torres has sponsored 171 bills since 2021 with only one becoming law. Some question prioritizing gaming over other issues; others counter that gamers are a large, cross-demographic group and that legislators can handle multiple issues. Several criticize the offline-mode requirement for games like MMORPGs, suggesting releasing server binaries instead, though others note companies won't share source code.