U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) announced on October 15, 2026, his intention to introduce the “Power to the Players Act,” a federal bill aimed at reclassifying digital video game purchases as ownership instead of revocable licenses. This legislation seeks to empower the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regulate consumer rights for digital games, including the rights to own, play, and transfer purchased titles.

This proposed law could significantly alter the relationship between consumers and video game companies, especially as the industry shifts towards digital-only releases and regularly delists games or shuts down servers, potentially leaving players without access to titles they paid for.

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