- GOG has recently taken to Twitter to take a jab at Steam for only selling game licenses.
- The page boasted about selling offline game installers, which let you own the game files and play offline.
- Steam is following a new California law that will force digital stores to admit that they only sell licenses and not the actual games.
Steam is the kingpin of digital storefronts when it comes to gaming, as it has dominated the landscape ever since the media became popular on computers. While it is generally deeply beloved by the industry for its secure and foolproof services, some cracks have started to appear that raise questions among gamers about ethics and trust.
The storefront recently added a new warning when you purchase games, claiming that you only own a license to them, not the actual products. This has only rubbed gamers the wrong way and sparked a new controversy. Now, amid gamers and critics alike, GOG has also joined in on the fun to mock Steam over it.
Why it matters: GOG indirectly calling out Steam for not selling offline game installers raises an important issue in the industry. It also highlights that digital publishers can take their games offline or revoke licenses at any given moment.
The popular Steam rival recently took to Twitter to announce a new banner that it plans to introduce on the site. The banner is a direct reply to Steam’s controversial change, essentially mocking the giant for only selling game licenses.
Now, GOG is not so different in terms and conditions regarding game licenses (see 2.1 section). However, the store is also renowned for selling offline game installers.
These offline installers let you own the files and play the games offline without needing servers, which has become increasingly rare nowadays. Other platforms, like Steam, only offer you a license that can be revoked without notice.
The platform has been updated to reflect a new California law, which will compel digital stores to admit that they only sell licenses and not the actual product.
The law will go live next year, but gamers hope it will not bring further bad news for the industry. Do you think it was wise of GOG to poke its biggest rival on the market over the controversy? Share your opinions in the comments section below or join the discussion on the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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