Steam has updated its checkout process to inform players that they only purchase a license to play a game rather than owning it outright. A new message appears during checkout: ” A digital product purchase grants a license for the product on Steam.
While this has always been the case, the explicit warning was previously only found in the terms and conditions pages. This update comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed new consumer protection laws.
The laws stipulate that digital retailers must clarify the nature of digital purchases. They are prohibited from using terms like “buy” unless customers are explicitly warned that they are merely paying for a license to a game that may expire at any time. “As retailers continue to pivot away from selling physical media, the need for consumer protections on the purchase of digital media has become increasingly more important,” California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin said in a statement.
Steam clarifies digital purchase licenses
While these protections currently only apply in California, Steam’s proactive warning is a preemptive move as similar regulations are expected to emerge in other regions. The debate over the ownership of digital goods continues, especially after several high-profile companies have taken games entirely offline in recent years.
This has led many players to question the legality of removing access to games they have paid for. In a related industry update, developer Ivory Tower recently addressed consumer complaints regarding handling their game series, The Crew. Stéphane Beley, senior creative director at Ivory Tower, acknowledged these concerns and committed to ensuring long-term access to The Crew 2 and The Crew Motorfest.
The company is exploring solutions, including offline mode for both titles. Steam’s move and Ivory Tower’s remarks reflect a growing recognition of the importance of consumer rights in the digital age, where ownership is continually evolving.
