Steam Warns: You're Licensing Games, Not Owning Them

Steam has recently started alerting customers that they're buying a license, not the actual game. This change is a response to an upcoming California law aiming to clarify digital purchases. The law, known as AB 2426, will make it illegal for marketplaces to use words like "buy" or "purchase" for digital goods unless they clearly state it's just a license. Companies could face fines for false advertising if they don't comply. This new law follows several incidents where gamers lost access to their games after servers shut down. Ubisoft removed The Crew from players' libraries after its servers closed, causing outrage. The company later added offline modes to other games but didn't bring back the original.

Now, Steam displays a warning at the payment stage, informing users that a digital product purchase grants a license. This warning appears below the "Continue to payment" button and directs users to Steam's Subscriber Agreement for full details. Although this law is for California, Steam has implemented the warning worldwide, including in the UK. California Assembly member Jacqui Irwin, who authored the bill, emphasized the importance of protecting consumers in the digital age. While the law doesn't stop companies from removing your content, it ensures they warn you about the nature of your purchase before you buy.

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