Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) introduced the Power to Players Act, a bill designed to shift consumer rights for video games from licensing agreements to outright ownership. The legislation seeks to ensure that purchasing a game grants consumers permanent access, preventing developers from revoking playability years after release.
The proposal cites NBA 2K25 as a primary example of the issue. Although the title launched on September 6, 2025, it is scheduled to become unplayable on December 31 due to server shutdowns. By targeting such outcomes, the bill aims to protect long-term consumer investment in digital media.
The Power to Players Act directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to take action to prevent similar scenarios in the future. This regulatory step would require the FTC to intervene in cases where game publishers discontinue service, thereby safeguarding the continued accessibility of purchased titles.