Games Platforms Confirm Lack of Ownership Rights

California's New Law: Clarifying Digital Game Ownership

A new California law mandates greater 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 misleading advertising of digital goods, including video games and associated applications. The definition of a "game" is broad, encompassing applications accessed on various devices.

To ensure clarity, stores must use prominent, easily noticeable language in their sales terms. Failure to comply could result in civil penalties or misdemeanor charges. The law explicitly prohibits advertising "unrestricted ownership" unless the customer is fully informed otherwise.

The legislation also restricts the use of terms like "buy" or "purchase" unless it's explicitly clarified that the transaction doesn't guarantee unrestricted access or ownership. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin highlighted the increasing importance of consumer protection in the digital marketplace.

This law addresses concerns raised by instances where games have been removed from online access after purchase, leaving players without access to games they'd paid for. However, the law's applicability to subscription services like Game Pass remains unclear, as does its impact on offline game copies.

Ubisoft's recent comments suggesting players should become accustomed to not "owning" games in the traditional sense further underscore the need for this legislation. The law's intent, according to Assemblymember Irwin, is to provide consumers with a clearer understanding of their digital purchases, acknowledging the difference between a license and true ownership.