As a long-time gamer who has spent countless hours and hard-earned money building my digital library on Steam, I can’t help but feel a mix of frustration and amusement at this recent development. The truth behind what we buy online has always been a bit of a gray area, but now it seems to be getting a little more black and white – or rather, a little less mine.
Story Highlights
- Steam is the largest digital storefront and marketplace on the planet for PC video games.
- When you try to buy games on Steam from now on, a message will be displayed on the order page.
- This is a buzz topic in the gaming industry, where users feel concerned about their purchases online.
Nowadays, we find ourselves immersed in a digital age, and although this offers numerous benefits, there are persistent issues, particularly within the video game industry. Many gamers frequently opt to buy games online from their preferred platform. It was generally assumed that purchasing a game online grants full ownership. However, recent developments have shed light on this matter.
Initially, Steam will clearly disclose that when you make a purchase during checkout, you’re obtaining a license for the game, rather than owning the actual product as you would with a physical copy (as reported by Engadget). Keep an eye out for a distinct section on the right side of the page just before you confirm your cart items.
It’s worth noting that Governor Gavin Newsom of California enacted a law earlier this year, which will take effect in 2025. This law pertains to digital marketplaces used for online transactions between businesses and consumers. The term “buy” or “purchase” for games is likely to be phased out because it gives the impression that you’re actually owning the game, but in reality, you don’t.
As retailers continue to pivot away from selling physical media, the need for consumer protections on the purchase of digital media has become increasingly more important,” said the Californian assembly spokesperson Jacqui Irwin.
The Frustration Surrounding Digital Video Game Purchases
In April 2024, Ubisoft stopped allowing The Crew to be played by anyone who owned it, making the game inaccessible. This action served as a wake-up call about the typical gamer’s rights when buying digital games.
Moving forward, the California law may fail to prevent game publishers from reoccurring such practices, yet it will undoubtedly spread awareness and trigger concerns among consumers about the differences between buying digital games online versus physical ones in stores.
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2024-10-12 10:11