Power to the Players Act Oct 2026: Own Digital Games PH
US Rep. Ritchie Torres introduces groundbreaking legislation that could finally make "buying" a digital game mean actually owning it—and what Filipino gamers need to know about this game-changing proposal.
Table of Contents
What Is the Power to the Players Act?
The Power to the Players Act represents the first federal attempt in the United States to answer a question that has plagued the gaming industry for years: do you actually own the digital games you buy? The legislation essentially gives people who buy games ownership of it instead of a license to play it.
Torres told Kotaku in a phone interview: "I think there should be a simple rule: if you pay for it, you own it." To make that the law of the land, the U.S. representative for New York's 15th congressional district since 2021 plans to introduce legislation in Congress called the Power To The Players Act.
The Core Problem: Licenses vs. Ownership
Over the past few years, video game companies have moved toward digital-only games and consoles, removing the option to buy or use physical games. These digital games are often sold as revocable licenses rather than owned outright, leaving players dependent on the company's continued support.
This means that when you spend ₱3,500 (roughly $70) on a new AAA title, you're not actually buying the game—you're purchasing permission to access it for as long as the publisher decides to keep supporting it. When they pull the plug, your money disappears with it.
How the Bill Would Work
The bill would direct the Federal Trade Commission to create regulations protecting ownership rights for video games. Companies selling digital games would need to grant players more than just a license that can expire at any time, and games with online features would need to provide offline modes that still work even when servers eventually shut down.
For Filipino gamers who purchase digital titles through platforms like Steam, PlayStation Network, or Xbox Live, this could fundamentally change how you interact with your game library. Instead of worrying about whether your favorite game will disappear when support ends, you'd have legal protection ensuring continued access. If you're looking to maximize your gaming budget, check out the best deals Philippines today to stretch your pesos further while this legislation develops.
Why This Matters Now: The NBA 2K25 Wake-Up Call
The timing of Torres's announcement isn't coincidental. NBA 2K25 is given as an example in the announcement. The game retailed for $69.99 for the standard edition and $99.99 for the All-Star Edition and will be delisted from digital storefronts on October 30 and have its servers shut down on December 31, two years after its initial release.
The ₱5,000 Game That Becomes Worthless
For context, NBA 2K25's All-Star Edition cost approximately ₱5,600 in the Philippines when converted at typical exchange rates. Players who paid that premium price will lose access to the game's most popular modes—online multiplayer, MyTeam, and MyCareer—in just over two months from the bill's announcement.
A game millions paid $70 for will become mostly useless. This isn't an isolated incident, either. Games like Ubisoft's The Crew, various sports titles, and live-service games have followed similar patterns, effectively deleting thousands of pesos worth of purchases from players' libraries.
Sony's All-Digital Future Accelerates the Crisis
Sony will be doing away with discs in their next PlayStation release, making the issue for video game players even more dire and urgent. With physical games disappearing as an option, digital ownership protections shift from "nice to have" to absolutely essential.
Filipino gamers who rely on physical game trading and resale markets in places like Greenhills or DataBlitz will feel this transition acutely. The second-hand gaming economy that helps budget-conscious players access titles affordably could vanish entirely without ownership protections in place.
Key Requirements: What Publishers Must Do
The Power to the Players Act establishes two fundamental requirements that would reshape how game companies operate:
1. True Ownership Instead of Revocable Licenses
The bill would give consumers ownership over the games they buy instead of a license. This means publishers couldn't unilaterally revoke your access to a game you purchased, even if they discontinue support or shut down servers.
2. Mandatory Offline Modes for Online Games
Games with online functionality would be required to provide an offline mode before the servers supporting them are shut down. This requirement addresses one of the most frustrating aspects of modern gaming: single-player games that require constant internet connection for no gameplay reason.
Under the proposal, developers and publishers would need to ensure that games remain playable even after their online servers permanently shut down. This could have major consequences for games that rely on constant internet connections.
What the Bill Doesn't Cover
It's important to understand the limitations. The legislation doesn't address other digital entertainment such as movies and digital comics. The focus remains specifically on video games, though advocates hope successful passage could set precedent for broader digital ownership protections.
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What This Means for Filipino Gamers
You might wonder: "This is a US law—why should I care?" The answer is that American gaming legislation has historically influenced global industry practices, and Filipino gamers would likely benefit even without direct legal coverage.
How US Laws Affect Philippine Gaming
Major publishers like Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard, Take-Two Interactive, and Ubisoft are US-based companies or have significant US operations. When they're required to provide offline modes and true ownership for American customers, they typically implement those features globally rather than maintaining separate versions for different markets.
This means Filipino players purchasing through Steam, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Epic Games Store would likely receive the same ownership protections as American players once the law takes effect.
Philippine Legal Framework for Digital Games
Currently, the Philippines has limited specific legislation addressing digital game ownership. The country's consumer protection primarily falls under Republic Act No. 7394 (the Consumer Act of the Philippines) and intellectual property protections under Republic Act No. 8293.
However, these laws were written before the digital gaming revolution and don't adequately address issues like server shutdowns, always-online requirements, or the distinction between licensed access and actual ownership.
Pricing and Purchasing Considerations
Filipino gamers should consider these practical points while the legislation develops:
- Steam purchases: The platform's regional pricing means many games cost ₱1,500-₱3,000 rather than ₱3,500-₱4,000. If ownership protections pass, these purchases become significantly more valuable.
- Physical vs. Digital: While physical games are still available for Switch and some PlayStation titles, prices typically run ₱500-₱1,000 higher than digital versions during sales.
- Top-up cards: Services like Mobile Legends, Valorant, and Free Fire sell in-game currency rather than permanent content, making them less affected by ownership legislation.
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Regional Considerations for Southeast Asia
The Philippines sits in a unique position as part of Southeast Asia's rapidly growing gaming market. Countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand are watching Western digital ownership debates closely. If the US passes strong protections, regional publishers may face pressure to implement similar safeguards across their Southeast Asian operations.
The Global Game Preservation Movement
The Power to the Players Act didn't emerge in a vacuum. It's part of a growing international movement demanding that gaming companies respect players' purchases.
Stop Killing Games: The European Campaign
The 'Stop Destroying Videogames' initiative was submitted to the European Commission on 26 January 2026, after having gathered 1,294,188 verified statements of support. This massive citizen petition demanded that European Union regulations prevent publishers from rendering purchased games unplayable.
The European Commission issued its formal response to the Stop Killing Games initiative on 16 June 2026. After 1,294,188 verified supporters petitioned Brussels to mandate that publishers keep games playable after server shutdowns, the Commission said it cannot impose a legal obligation on game companies to do so. Instead, it will attempt to broker a voluntary industry code of conduct by the end of 2026.
While the EU response was disappointing to advocates, the movement hasn't given up. Stop Killing Games is formally pushing to fold its demands into the Digital Fairness Act – founder Ross Scott says the movement is now "in a position to pass legislation on this even without the Commission's blessing."
California's Protect Our Games Act
Before Torres introduced his federal bill, California was already moving on this issue. California's Assembly passed AB 1921, the "Protect Our Games Act," requiring game publishers to give 60 days' notice before delisting a game, offer full refunds, and provide a way to keep the game running after support ends.
The bill passed the California State Assembly but failed to advance out of its second Senate committee, though the committee granted reconsideration, leaving a procedural route to bring it back. The struggle illustrates how difficult these consumer protections are to pass, even with strong public support.
Why Multiple Efforts Matter
The simultaneous push in Europe, California, and now federal US legislation creates pressure from multiple angles. Even if one effort fails, others may succeed. More importantly, the consistent message across jurisdictions tells publishers that the old licensing model is becoming politically untenable.
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Industry Reaction and Obstacles Ahead
The gaming industry has not welcomed these legislative efforts with open arms. Understanding the opposition helps set realistic expectations for what might actually pass.
Entertainment Software Association Opposition
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), a leading industry group, has been a vocal opponent of the Protect Our Games Act. The ESA argues that the bill misunderstands the fundamental distinction between ownership and licensing, a cornerstone of how the digital economy operates.
Publishers argue that games-as-a-service models require ongoing costs for servers, maintenance, security updates, and support. Requiring indefinite server hosting or extensive offline mode development would be financially unsustainable, particularly for smaller studios.
Technical and Business Challenges
Questions remain about how these requirements would apply to online-only multiplayer games, live-service titles, and games built entirely around server-based systems. The full legislative language will be important in determining those details.
Consider a game like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, enormously popular in the Philippines with millions of active users. The entire game exists as a competitive online experience—there's no meaningful "offline mode" to provide. How would preservation requirements work for titles fundamentally built around networked play?
Legislative Hurdles
The bill has not yet been formally introduced to Congress — no vote has been scheduled and no official cosponsors are confirmed. Torres's announcement represents his intention to introduce the legislation, but the actual text hasn't been filed, and no other representatives have publicly signed on yet.
It has not yet been formally introduced, and its sponsors and prospects are unclear. In the current political environment, getting any consumer protection legislation through Congress faces significant obstacles, particularly when opposed by a well-funded industry lobby.
Realistic Timeline Expectations
Even if introduced successfully, the Power to the Players Act would face:
- Committee hearings and markup sessions (3-6 months minimum)
- House floor vote (if it survives committee)
- Senate introduction and separate committee process
- Potential reconciliation if House and Senate pass different versions
- Presidential signature
- FTC rulemaking process (12-24 months after passage)
Best-case scenario: meaningful regulations take effect sometime in 2028-2029. More realistically, if the bill faces industry opposition and political obstacles, we're looking at 2030 or beyond—if it passes at all.
What Gamers Should Do Right Now
While we wait for legislation that may or may not arrive, Filipino gamers can take practical steps to protect their interests and game libraries.
Smart Purchasing Strategies
Prioritize DRM-free platforms: GOG.com offers games without digital rights management, meaning you can download and keep installer files that work regardless of the platform's future. While selection is more limited than Steam, major titles are available.
Research before buying live-service games: Before spending ₱3,000+ on a game requiring online servers, check:
- How long has the previous entry in the series remained active?
- Does the publisher have a history of long-term support or quick shutdowns?
- Are there meaningful single-player modes that work offline?
- What do player communities say about the game's longevity prospects?
Wait for sales on digital-only titles: If a game has no physical option and provides only a license, wait for deep discounts rather than paying full price. Steam seasonal sales, PlayStation Store promotions, and Xbox Game Pass offer better value propositions for temporary access.
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Support Pro-Consumer Publishers
Vote with your wallet by supporting companies that already respect ownership:
- CD Projekt Red: Releases DRM-free versions and supports long-term patches
- Nintendo: Maintains online services longer than most competitors
- Independent developers: Many indie studios provide permanent downloads and regular updates
Document Your Digital Library
Take screenshots or export lists of your digital game purchases across all platforms. If ownership laws eventually pass and grant retroactive protections, you'll want proof of what you purchased and when.
Participate in the Conversation
While Filipino citizens can't directly influence US legislation, you can:
- Support international game preservation organizations like the Video Game History Foundation
- Contact Philippine legislators about introducing similar consumer protections locally
- Share information about ownership issues in Filipino gaming communities
- Leave reviews and feedback for publishers about always-online requirements
Alternative Income for Gaming
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Power to the Players Act become law?
The bill has been announced but not yet formally introduced to Congress as of October 16, 2026. Even after introduction, it must pass House and Senate votes and receive presidential signature before the FTC begins creating regulations. Realistically, any enforceable rules are years away, with 2028-2029 being the earliest possible timeline if everything proceeds smoothly.
Will this law apply to games I already own?
The bill's text hasn't been published yet, so retroactive coverage remains unclear. Similar legislation in California applies only to games released after a specific future date. However, if the law requires offline modes before server shutdowns, it could protect existing games when publishers eventually discontinue support, regardless of original release date.
Does the Power to the Players Act affect Filipino gamers?
While it's US legislation, Filipino gamers would likely benefit indirectly. Major publishers typically implement features globally rather than maintaining different versions per country. If US law requires offline modes and ownership protections, those features would likely appear in Philippine versions of the same games sold through international platforms like Steam and PlayStation Network.
What happens to free-to-play games like Mobile Legends and Valorant?
The legislation focuses on purchased games where consumers pay upfront for access. Free-to-play games that monetize through optional in-game purchases likely wouldn't face the same offline mode requirements, as players aren't purchasing the base game itself. However, virtual items purchased within free-to-play games might eventually receive separate protection under consumer fraud or virtual property laws.
How can I protect my game library while waiting for legislation?
Prioritize DRM-free platforms like GOG.com where possible, research publisher track records before buying always-online games, wait for sales rather than paying full price for games that are essentially licenses, document all your digital purchases with screenshots or export lists, and consider supporting publishers who already provide long-term support and genuine ownership rather than revocable licenses.
The Road Ahead for Digital Game Ownership
Rep. Torres's Power to the Players Act represents a watershed moment in the conversation about digital ownership. Whether or not this specific bill passes, the fact that federal legislation has been proposed signals that the issue has reached critical mass in public consciousness.
The broad strokes of the legislation are essentially what many gamers have spent the last year begging for. The grassroots Stop Killing Games movement, California's legislative efforts, and now federal attention combine to create unprecedented pressure on an industry that has long enjoyed the benefits of selling "ownership" while providing only conditional access.
For Filipino gamers, the implications extend beyond any single law or country. As the global gaming market increasingly shifts toward digital distribution, the question of what "buying" a game actually means becomes existential. A ₱3,500 purchase that can vanish at a publisher's whim isn't a purchase at all—it's a rental with unclear terms and no guaranteed duration.
The next few years will determine whether the industry embraces genuine ownership protections voluntarily or requires legal intervention to respect players' investments. Either way, the conversation has fundamentally shifted. Publishers can no longer simply dismiss ownership concerns as edge cases or misunderstandings of licensing agreements.
Stay informed about developments in digital ownership rights, make smart purchasing decisions based on current realities rather than ideal futures, and support efforts—whether through advocacy, selective purchasing, or community participation—to ensure that when you pay for a game, you actually own it.
For the latest updates on gaming deals and opportunities to maximize your gaming budget, check out trending Shopee products and stay tuned to smartly.sale for ongoing coverage of how digital ownership legislation develops and what it means for gamers in the Philippines and worldwide.