Game or License? Steam’s New Message Explains the Difference
Posted: Sun Oct 13, 2024 10:51 pm
Gear up Explorers!
In a recent development, Steam, the world’s leading digital marketplace for PC gaming, has begun explicitly stating that customers purchasing games are actually buying a license to play them, not the game itself. This new note appears in the payment checkout screen on Steam’s desktop app, with the message: “A purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam.” However, this disclosure is yet to show up on the mobile version of the app.
This move comes in response to a new law in California that requires online marketplaces like Steam to be more transparent about what customers are actually purchasing. The law, set to go into effect in 2024, mandates that digital storefronts can no longer use terms like "Buy" or "Purchase" for products unless customers are granted full ownership. Since platforms like Steam offer users a license to play the game, not outright ownership, this clarification is required.Why Is Steam Making This Change?
The regulation was introduced after incidents involving companies like Ubisoft and Sony, which had removed digital purchases from users’ libraries, sparking backlash. Ubisoft, for example, revoked access to games like The Crew, and Sony restricted access to old Discovery shows, though it later reversed this decision following criticism.
While the new law hasn’t officially gone into effect, it appears Valve, the company behind Steam, is taking a proactive approach. By updating their checkout screen now, they are getting ahead of the law’s requirements. The note is part of a broader move to ensure clarity in digital sales and help avoid confusion for users who may not realize they’re buying a license rather than full ownership of a game.Steam’s Preemptive Compliance
Interestingly, the law does not apply to platforms like Good Old Games (GoG), which offer DRM-free games that can be fully downloaded and played offline, even without an internet connection. This allows GoG users to maintain access to their games, unlike digital stores like Steam that require users to accept a license to play their games.
For most gamers, the shift may not have a significant impact in day-to-day use, as licenses are already the norm across most digital gaming platforms. However, the change highlights the complexities of digital ownership and could help players better understand their rights. This transparency is crucial, as many users may not realize that companies could revoke access to their purchased games at any time if they’re only licensing them.What This Means for Gamers
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, gamers can expect similar disclosures to appear on other platforms, especially as more countries push for clearer guidelines on digital purchases.
For now, Steam’s new message is just the beginning of a wider conversation about digital ownership—and it’s one that will likely continue to shape the future of gaming. As laws evolve to protect consumer rights, platforms like Steam are adopting more transparent messaging, helping gamers better understand what they are truly paying for. This step could spark further changes across the digital gaming industry, ensuring that buyers are fully informed about the nature of their digital purchases.
Stay tuned to MagicNation and follow me for more updates on the evolving landscape of digital ownership!
