Torres Introduces Video Game Ownership Bill, Targeting 2028 Disc Phaseout and Server Shutdowns
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Oct 18
Torres Introduces Video Game Ownership Bill, Targeting 2028 Disc Phaseout and Server Shutdowns
3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Oct 18
Summary
Rep. Ritchie Torres introduced the Power To The Players Act, a congressional bill that would treat a paid video game as owned property rather than a revocable license.
The measure would direct the FTC to write rules guaranteeing ownership and requiring developers to add an offline mode before shutting down supporting servers.
Torres pointed to NBA 2K25 as a recent example: 2K plans to delist it at month-end and shut its servers on Dec. 31, reducing how the game can be played.
The proposal lands as concerns over resale, transfer and long-term access to games have grown, including after Sony said it plans to phase out physical discs in 2028.
A similar Pennsylvania bill would require an offline mode, an independent online mode, or at least a 25% refund when companies sunset games.