#game licenses

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 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. 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. 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. These past months have been a big blast for the gaming community with the launch of big games like Resident Evil 7, Nioh, For Honor, and Horizon Zero Dawn. Read more in our articles including "You’re Buying a License, Not a Game - Steam Clarifies" and "10 Video Games to Watch Out For in March 2017".