# US Lawmaker Proposes Game Ownership Bill

> A US lawmaker wants game companies to let players keep games after online services shut down.
- Title: US Lawmaker Proposes Game Ownership Bill · Dexerto | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: power to the players act, rep ritchie torres, video game ownership, ftc, rockstar games, nba 2k25, online servers, gaming, sports, Lawmaker, Proposes, Game
- Source: Dexerto — https://dexerto.com/gaming/us-lawmaker-proposes-bill-that-would-force-game-companies-to-let-players-keep-their-games-3419489
- Author: Dylan Horetski
- Published: 2026-10-16T20:08:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: power to the players act, rep ritchie torres, video game ownership, ftc, rockstar games, nba 2k25, online servers, gaming, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Rep. Ritchie Torres introduced the Power To The Players Act to give gamers ownership of purchased games instead of licenses.