Steam, Epic Required to Admit You Don't \"Own\" Games on Their Platforms

California's New Law Clarifies Digital Game Ownership

A new California law mandates transparency from digital game stores like Steam and Epic regarding game ownership. Effective next year, these platforms must clearly state whether a purchase grants ownership or merely a license.

The law, AB 2426, aims to combat deceptive advertising of digital goods, including video games and associated applications. The definition of "game" is broad, encompassing applications accessed via various devices.

To ensure clarity, stores must use prominent text ("larger type than the surrounding text, or in contrasting type, font, or color") to inform consumers about the nature of their purchase—a license, not ownership. Failure to comply could result in civil penalties or misdemeanor charges.

The legislation prohibits using terms like "buy" or "purchase" to imply unrestricted ownership unless explicitly clarified. This addresses the common misconception that digital purchases equate to permanent ownership, similar to physical media.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin emphasized the growing need for consumer protection in the digital marketplace, citing instances where companies have removed access to purchased games. The law aims to prevent such situations by ensuring consumers understand they're often buying a license, not outright ownership.

Subscription Services Remain Unclear

The law's implications for subscription services like Game Pass remain undefined. It doesn't address "renting" digital products or offline game copies. This ambiguity follows comments from a Ubisoft executive suggesting consumers should become accustomed to not "owning" games in the traditional sense.

The new law represents a significant step towards greater transparency in the digital game market, although some areas require further clarification. It seeks to empower consumers with a clearer understanding of their purchases, protecting them from potentially misleading practices.