Valve has updated its Steam store checkout process with a new, more transparent disclosure, stating that when users buy a game, they are actually purchasing a license to access that digital content, not ownership of the game itself. This clarification, which was first reported by Engadget, appears on the payment screen of the Steam desktop app. However, as of now, it hasn’t yet been spotted on the mobile app.
Steam users began noticing this change earlier this week, with many taking to Reddit to share the update. The message reads: “A purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam,” highlighting the shift toward better transparency in the digital marketplace.
This update is likely Valve’s response to an upcoming California law that takes effect next year. The law will require digital storefronts, like Steam, to explicitly state that customers are only purchasing a license for digital media. This move is in response to complaints about companies such as Ubisoft and PlayStation, which have removed previously purchased digital content from users’ libraries, leaving them unable to access games or media they had thought they owned.
The California law is designed to prevent confusion, ensuring that consumers understand what they’re actually buying. It prohibits digital platforms from using terms like “buy” or “purchase” unless they specify that what’s being sold is merely a license. Digital storefronts will also need to link to the terms and conditions of the license, which Valve appears to already be doing with this update.
It’s important to note that this law applies mainly to platforms where games or media can be taken away from users’ libraries. Services like Good Old Games (GOG), which provide downloadable, DRM-free copies of games, are not affected. Since users can access their purchased games offline without needing an internet connection, GOG’s model ensures true ownership in a way that most digital platforms do not.
With this new disclosure, Valve is likely getting ahead of potential legal issues and complying with regulations that aim to make the digital marketplace more transparent. The change highlights a significant shift in how digital ownership is perceived, as users may need to rethink what it means to “own” a game in the modern digital era.
