{
  "id": 15733147,
  "title": "US Congressman Wants Gamers to Actually Own the Games They Buy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/us-congressman-wants-gamers-to-actually-own-the-games-they-buy",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-20T10:47:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/20/us-congressman-wants-gamers-to-actually-own-the-games-they-buy/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "US Congressman Ritchie Torres intends to propose legislation, the Power To The Players Act, aimed at granting players more robust ownership rights over video games they purchase. This includes ensuring online games remain playable even after game servers are discontinued. Kotaku reported this proposal following an interview with Torres, where he emphasized the core principle: \"If you pay for it, you own it.\"\n\nA significant example cited is NBA 2K25, which despite being the fifth best-selling game in the US in 2024, is set to have its online servers shut down by January 1, 2027, just over two years after its release. This will result in the removal of the game from digital storefronts on October 30, rendering popular game modes inaccessible. The standard edition was priced at approximately $70.\n\nUnder the proposed legislation, consumers would own games rather than merely leasing them via a license. Games reliant on online functionality would need to offer an offline mode that remains operational post-server shutdown. Torres contends that games which can disappear upon a company discontinuing servers essentially function as rentals disguised as purchases.\n\nThis proposal aligns with the growing demand from gamers concerned about the fate of purchased games when publishers deactivate online services. The Stop Killing Games advocacy campaign has called for an end to selling games that become unplayable post-server shutdown. Furthermore, the industry's shift toward digital distribution has amplified concerns, with Sony expected to halt PlayStation disc production for its next console generation and Grand Theft Auto 6 expected to be sold with a download code instead of the physical game.\n\nWhile the bill needs to be formally introduced in Congress, Torres does not confirm if it will garner any Republican support. Moreover, only an estimated 87% of proposed legislation reaches a full vote. Major game publishers might oppose such restrictions on digital game sales and maintenance.\n\nTorres, a 38-year-old representative, grew up playing franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Resident Evil, and SOCOM. He views his proposal as a return to the traditional game ownership model of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, and sees affordability as an issue due to rising prices. Notably, the bill currently confines its scope to video games, excluding other digital purchases like movies and music, despite recent removals of digital movies from users' libraries. Torres asserts that successful video game ownership protections could serve as a model for broader digital ownership rights.",
  "summary": "US Congressman Ritchie Torres plans to introduce legislation that would give players stronger ownership rights over the video games they … Read More The post US Congressman Wants Gamers to Actually Own the Games They Buy appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}