A US representative has introduced a bill that seeks to ensure video game buyers are owners, not just license holders. Rep. Ritchie Torres, from New York, suggests that when you buy a game, you should have the right to continue playing it indefinitely, akin to buying a physical toy.

The bill, called the Power to Players Act, specifically targets the issue of server shutdowns that make games unplayable. The example given is NBA 2K25, which will become unplayable come the end of the year due to planned server shutdowns. Torres hopes to prevent such future issues.

The bill would direct the Federal Trade Commission to take action to prevent companies from revoking access to games. Torres argues that physical games, like those from the 1990s, have historically been owned by players, and the current status quo of digital purchases and potential unavailability is a step backwards.

The issue of game ownership is becoming increasingly contentious as digital downloads account for the majority of game sales. This shift has led to calls for physical disc availability, partly to ensure long-term preservation, as games can be delisted from digital marketplaces, leaving players without access.

The bill reflects a broader movement where consumers are advocating for their rights as owners, not just lessees, of the products they purchase. The outcome could significantly impact the future of how games are distributed and played.