From PCMAG · Will McCurdy · · 1m 40s
New York Rep Introduces Bill to Keep Games Playable
New York Rep Ritchie Torres introduces bill to ensure gamers own games they buy.
In brief
New York Rep Ritchie Torres introduces bill to ensure gamers own games they buy. Rep Ritchie Torres introduces Power To The Players Act to protect consumers' right to own and play video games they purchase. Originally reported by PCMAG.
New York Rep Introduces Bill
Rep Ritchie Torres (D-NY) announced he will introduce the Power To The Players Act to direct the Federal Trade Commission to establish regulations protecting consumers' ability to own and play video games they purchase.
Bill Would Ensure Ownership
If passed, purchasing a video game would give consumers ownership rather than just a license to play it, and games with online functionality would require offline mode before servers shut down.
NBA 2K25 as Example
NBA 2K25, which retailed for $69.99, is set to be delisted on Oct. 30, 2024, with online servers shutting down on Dec. 31, 2024, just over two years after its Sept. 6, 2024 release.
Stop Killing Games Movement
The bill follows the Stop Killing Games movement, an online initiative lobbying governments to make practices like delisting games illegal after they are released.
Ubisoft's Past Action
The movement was inspired by Ubisoft abruptly cutting support for The Crew in 2014, delisting it from players' libraries despite a loyal player base.
European Commission Action
In June 2026, the European Commission declined to propose legislation forcing video games to remain playable after withdrawal from sale but will work with industry on a voluntary code of conduct.
California Bill Status
A comparable bill, the Protect Our Games Act, failed to clear a California State Senate committee in June but voted unanimously to reconsider for another vote in 2027.
The bottom line
Rep Ritchie Torres introduces Power To The Players Act to protect consumers' right to own and play video games they purchase.
