Torres introduces bill to protect digital game ownership
The Power To The Players Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission to write rules against delisting games and shutting down servers early.
US Representative Ritchie Torres is introducing the Power To The Players Act, a bill intended to give players ownership rights over the digital games they buy, Polygon reported. If passed, the legislation would direct the Federal Trade Commission to set regulations governing digital game ownership.
Under the proposed rules, companies could be barred from delisting games, shutting down servers prematurely and revoking digital licenses. Online titles would also have to offer a playable offline mode.
The bill still faces regulatory hurdles and may not become law. No vote or timeline has been announced.
Physical games under pressure
The proposal arrives as physical game releases grow scarcer. Sony has ended disc production, and several publishers no longer sell physical versions of their games. Uncertainty also surrounds the disc drive for Project Helix.
Quick answers
What is the Power To The Players Act?
A bill introduced by US Representative Ritchie Torres that would give players ownership of their digital games and direct the Federal Trade Commission to regulate digital game ownership.
What would the bill require of game companies?
Proposed rules could prevent companies from delisting games, shutting down servers early and revoking digital licenses, and would require online games to offer a playable offline mode.
Has the bill passed?
No. It still faces regulatory hurdles and may not pass.