Home News Steam, Epic Platforms Clarify Lack of Game Ownership

Steam, Epic Platforms Clarify Lack of Game Ownership

Author : Michael Nov 13,2023

Steam, Epic Platforms Clarify Lack of Game Ownership

California's New Law Mandates Transparency in Digital Game Ownership

A groundbreaking new California law, AB 2426, will force digital game stores like Steam and Epic Games to clearly state whether consumers are purchasing ownership or merely a license for their games. Taking effect next year, the law aims to combat misleading advertising practices prevalent in the digital marketplace.

The legislation requires digital storefronts to employ clear and conspicuous language, specifying the nature of the transaction. This includes using distinct typography and formatting to highlight whether a purchase grants true ownership or limited access. Failure to comply could result in civil penalties or misdemeanor charges.

The law prohibits the use of terms like "buy" or "purchase" without explicitly clarifying that the transaction doesn't guarantee unrestricted ownership or perpetual access to the digital good. This is particularly relevant given that digital stores can revoke access at any time, unlike physical media.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin emphasized the law's importance in protecting consumers from deceptive marketing practices. She highlighted the common misconception that purchasing digital goods grants permanent ownership, similar to physical media. The law aims to bridge this knowledge gap and ensure consumers understand the limitations of their digital purchases.

However, the law's implications for subscription-based services like Game Pass remain unclear. It doesn't address the nuances of "renting" digital products or offline game copies. This ambiguity highlights the complexities of regulating the evolving digital gaming landscape.

The debate surrounding digital ownership has intensified recently, particularly after incidents where gaming companies removed games from online access, leaving players without access to games they had previously purchased. While this law doesn't address all aspects of digital ownership, it represents a significant step towards greater transparency and consumer protection in the digital games market. The ongoing discussion about ownership in the digital age, and the need for clarity regarding subscription models, are likely to continue.

Latest Articles More
  • Simu Liu: Marvel Keeps Cast in the Dark Thanks to Holland and Ruffalo

    Shang-Chi’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is now officially confirmed. During the recent Avengers: Doomsday livestream, it was revealed that Simu Liu will reprise his role in the upcoming blockbuster — though, as expected, details remain scarce. Liu himself remained tight-lipped about the

    Jul 16,2025
  • Mortal Kombat Mobile Marks 10 Years with New Diamond, Gold Characters

    Mortal Kombat Mobile is celebrating a major milestone—its 10th anniversary! Warner Bros International and NetherRealm Studios are pulling out all the stops with a massive update set to launch on March 25th. This celebration brings exciting new fighters, a reimagined Faction Wars mode, fresh challeng

    Jul 16,2025
  • Avowed: Exploring All Backgrounds and Their Functions

    *Avowed* offers players a rich and immersive character creation system, allowing for deep personalization beyond just physical appearance. One of the most impactful aspects of this system is the choice of Background, which establishes your character's origin story and influences early dialogue optio

    Jul 16,2025
  • "Baseus Power Bank Combos: Top Deals on Amazon"

    If you're on the hunt for a versatile charging solution that keeps your devices powered up on the go, Baseus has some incredible power bank combo deals running right now over on Amazon. Whether you're a laptop user, a mobile gamer, or just need to keep your iPhone juiced up, these bundles have got y

    Jul 15,2025
  • Attack on Titan Steelbooks with Special Features at All-Time Low Prices on Amazon

    Attack on Titan stands as one of the most iconic anime of all time, delivering a faithful and powerful adaptation of Hajime Isayama’s revolutionary manga. Its meticulously crafted narrative continues to spark deep analysis, viral TikTok edits, and passionate debates across the internet. Over the cou

    Jul 15,2025
  • Ornithopter PvP Issues in Dune: Awakening: Funcom Investigates

    The *Dune: Awakening* development team at Funcom has acknowledged a pressing issue that’s been frustrating PvP players — the relentless and seemingly unfair advantage of Ornithopters, better known as helicopters in other games. Players have voiced their concerns about being repeatedly crushed by the

    Jul 15,2025