US Representative Introduces Plan To Preserve Digital Game Ownership

US Representative Ritchie Torres plans to introduce the Power To The Players Act, a bill aimed at strengthening consumers’ rights to digital games. It matters because digital storefronts and publishers can currently revoke access, delist games or shut down online services, leaving players unable to use games they paid for.

If passed, the bill would direct the Federal Trade Commission to create rules protecting consumers’ ability to keep playing their games, including requiring online games to have an offline mode after servers close. The proposal comes as physical game releases are becoming less common and digital purchases dominate the market. It still faces regulatory hurdles, and there is no guarantee it will become law.