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- A new California law forces digital storefronts to admit that they are not selling the actual game to the consumers but are just selling the license.
- While the law will not take place until next year, Steam has already taken the first steps.
- Now, if you buy anything from Steam, it will show you that you are buying a license for the game.
Steam is arguably the best launcher available on PC, and the monopoly is evident. The fandom prefers it over any other platform as it provides the best user experience. The deals you can get and all the modifications make it worth having your main launcher.
However, buying the game on this launcher means that you are buying the digital copy as there are physical copies. Many fans were concerned that this meant they didn’t own the game.
That concern has now become a reality, as when you buy a game on Steam, it shows you that you are not actually buying the game but buying a license.
Why it matters: The digital era is upon us, and it is terrifying to think that the publisher can remove the title without too much notice.
Not long ago, a new California law was enforced that forces digital storefronts to admit that they are just selling the license, not the actual game.
The law clearly stated that it would ban any digital storefront that uses the words “buy” or “purchase” and does not inform the customer that they aren’t getting unrestricted access to the item they are buying.
I thank the Governor for signing AB 2426, ensuring the false and deceptive advertising from sellers of digital media incorrectly telling consumers they own their purchases becomes a thing of the past.
-Jacqui Irwin
So now, due to this law, Steam was also forced to show this message, which has generated a wave of concerns among the fandom. What’s even more outrageous is that this law will not come into effect until next year, but it seems like Gabe Newell wants to get over this and become the harbinger of bad news.
At first, fans were just arguing that they don’t own the digital games, and now the digital storefronts will make sure to let them know that this is indeed a reality. License deals are not really strong all the time, as they can expire, and that is why many games have been pulled from the digital storefronts.
However, hopefully, we won’t see such scenarios in the future. What do you think about this new California Law? Do you think it is unreasonable? Let us know in the comment section below or join the discussion on Tech4Gamers’ official forums.
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[News Editor]
Obaid is pursuing a Law degree while working as a content writer. He has worked as a gaming writer for over three years because of his passion for the medium and reporting the latest updates in the industry. Having played hundreds of games, Obaid finds himself coming back to Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2, with these games being among his favorites. He has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as Wccftech, Metro UK, PS Lifestyle, GamePressure, VGC, and Gamespot.
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