From Dexerto · Dylan Horetski · · 50s
US Lawmaker Proposes Game Ownership Bill
A US lawmaker wants game companies to let players keep games after online services shut down.
In brief
A US lawmaker wants game companies to let players keep games after online services shut down. Rep. Ritchie Torres introduced the Power To The Players Act to give gamers ownership of purchased games instead of licenses. Originally reported by Dexerto.
New Bill for Game Ownership
Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York proposed the Power To The Players Act to give gamers ownership of purchased games.
“When you pay for a game, you should own it.”
Online Services Shutdown Problem
Publishers can revoke access when online services shut down, giving players a license instead of ownership.
“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.”
NBA 2K25 Example
NBA 2K25 will shut down servers on December 31, 2026, two years after its September 2024 release.
“The basketball game launched in September 2024, with its standard edition priced at $69.99 and its All-Star Edition costing $99.99.”
Bill Requirements
The bill requires games to remain playable after servers shut down and allows players to transfer and resell games.
“Consumers must have the right to own, the right to play, and the right to transfer the games they buy.”
The main idea
Rep. Ritchie Torres introduced the Power To The Players Act to give gamers ownership of purchased games instead of licenses.
