From Tom's Hardware · · 1m 50s
New York Rep Introduces Game Ownership Bill
New York rep pushes bill to ensure game ownership instead of licenses, requiring publishers to keep games functional after support ends.
In brief
New York rep pushes bill to ensure game ownership instead of licenses, requiring publishers to keep games functional after support ends. New York rep Ritchie Torres introduces Power To The Players Act to mandate consumer ownership of games and offline functionality post-support. Originally reported by Tom's Hardware.
New York Rep Introduces Game Ownership Bill
Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York's 15th congressional district has introduced the Power To The Players Act.
Bill Aims to Protect Consumers
The bill directs the FTC to establish regulations on game ownership to curb anti-consumer business practices.
Consumer Ownership Defined
Buying a video game would give the consumer ownership rather than a license to play it.
Offline Mode Requirement
Games with online functionality would also be required to provide an offline mode before server shutdown.
Player Demand for Ownership
Players want to enjoy games even if publishers stop supporting them.
Sony's Stance on Ownership
Sony doesn't think players own their games and has the right to pull the rug from under them.
The Crew Shutdown Example
Ubisoft shut down The Crew for server upkeep, making it unplayable despite recent purchases.
NBA 2K25 Case Study
NBA 2K25 was pulled from digital stores two years after release with servers shut down.
Overwatch 2 Impact
Overwatch 2 replaced the first Overwatch game outright instead of making it separately playable.
Stop Killing Games Movement
The Stop Killing Games movement demands publishers leave games functional after discontinuation.
Bill's Implementation Goals
The bill aims to require offline modes before server shutdown and actual consumer ownership.
Ownership Debate Continues
The phrase 'if buying isn't owning, piracy isn't stealing' challenges revocable licenses.
Bill's Potential Impact
The bill could correct the gaming industry's direction toward revocable licenses.
At a glance
New York rep Ritchie Torres introduces Power To The Players Act to mandate consumer ownership of games and offline functionality post-support.
