digital purchases

AppWizard
October 15, 2024
Valve's update to the Steam storefront clarifies that purchasing a game on Steam grants a license rather than ownership, stating that "The Content and Services are licensed, not sold." This change has raised concerns among Steam's 123 million active users, especially in light of California's “AB 2426,” which requires digital storefronts to inform consumers that they are acquiring a license instead of outright ownership. The law affects various digital products, and non-compliance could lead to fines. An example of the implications of this shift is seen with Ubisoft's The Crew, which was delisted from Steam, resulting in users losing access to the game. This situation has prompted some users to reconsider their purchasing habits and consider physical copies for true ownership.
AppWizard
October 14, 2024
Many gamers have accumulated large libraries of Steam games due to discounts, but recent discussions reveal that purchasing a game on Steam grants a license rather than ownership, resembling a rental agreement. This clarification is linked to California's AB 2426 law, which aims to improve transparency in digital purchases. In contrast, Good Old Games (GOG) offers offline installers for their games, allowing users to retain access even if the platform ceases operations. However, if GOG were to shut down, access to those games could also be lost.
AppWizard
October 12, 2024
Steam has updated its shopping cart page to include a banner stating, “A purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam,” in response to California's AB 2426 legislation, which requires sellers of digital goods to clarify consumer rights regarding ownership. Steam operates on a licensing model, meaning users do not have outright ownership of games, and if a developer removes a title, it disappears from the user's library, although downloaded games remain accessible. In contrast, GOG allows users to retain purchased games indefinitely, regardless of developer actions, and has hinted at introducing a similar message emphasizing permanent access. The debate over licensing versus purchasing reflects broader concerns about digital ownership in the gaming industry.
AppWizard
October 12, 2024
Steam has added a message on its shopping cart page stating that a purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam, clarifying that users do not acquire ownership of a game. This update follows Valve's revision of its subscriber agreement and comes amid ongoing discussions about digital ownership and consumer rights. The message likely responds to consumer backlash against game publishers who have discontinued support for online titles, as seen in incidents like Ubisoft's discontinuation of services for The Crew. Additionally, a new California law requires retailers to inform consumers that digital games can be revoked at any time, prompting Valve's proactive measure to ensure compliance. GOG is also reviewing its checkout messaging in light of these developments.
AppWizard
October 11, 2024
Valve has implemented a new warning for Steam users stating that purchasing a game grants a license to access it, not ownership. This change is in response to California's upcoming legislation, AB 2426, effective in 2025, which aims to clarify the terms of digital purchases. The legislation addresses concerns about consumers losing access to purchased digital items and seeks to enhance consumer protections in the digital marketplace.
Search