What The Power To The Players Act Means For Your Digital Gam…
If passed, the bill could force publishers to guarantee offline modes and transfer rights, shifting the balance from revocable licenses toward real ownership for players.
If passed, the bill could force publishers to guarantee offline modes and transfer rights, shifting the balance from revocable licenses toward real ownership for players.
Key points - Rep. Ritchie Torres announced he will introduce the Power To The Players Act. - The bill would direct the FTC to regulate protection of game ownership rights. - Torres said a game that can be taken away is a rental disguised as a sale. - Sony plans to end physical disc production in 2028, accelerating digital transition. - Stop Killing Games campaign points to The Crew, which went offline in 2024.
Timeline - Earlier this year: Sony announced it will end physical disc production in 2028. - Earlier this year: Stop Killing Games founder Ross Scott and organizer Moritz Katzner gained an audience with the European Parliament. - 2024: Ubisoft's The Crew went offline, preventing owners from playing even singleplayer. - Today: Rep. Ritchie Torres announced he will introduce the Power To The Players Act.
FAQ
Q: What is the Power To The Players Act? A: It's a proposed US bill that would direct the FTC to create regulations protecting your ability to own, play, and transfer purchased games, and require offline modes before online games shut down.
Q: Does this mean I'll actually own my digital games? A: If passed, the bill aims for more genuine ownership than current revocable licenses, but the FTC likely won't eliminate DRM, so a softer definition of ownership may apply.
Q: Which games are affected by shutdowns? A: Online games that get decommissioned, like The Crew, which went offline in 2024 and blocked access even to its singleplayer campaign.
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