Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York’s 15th congressional district introduced the Power To The Players Act, which would direct the Federal Trade Commission to establish regulations ensuring consumers own a video game when purchasing it, rather than being tied to a server license.

The bill is a response to the increasingly common practice of games requiring a connection to a server, often making them unplayable when the company decides to shut down its servers. A recent example is NBA 2K25, where 2K plans to delist the game and shut down its servers by the end of the year, limiting its playability.

Concerns over game ownership have also arisen following Sony’s announcement that it plans to phase out physical game discs by 2028. Rep. Torres argues, “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.” The bill would require developers to institute an offline mode before shutting down supporting servers, akin to the Protect Our Games Act in Pennsylvania.

By ensuring players own their games, the bill aims to prevent the loss of access to titles due to corporate decisions. It sets a precedent that might influence the gaming industry, potentially leading to more player-friendly practices.