Remember the days when you could proudly display your physical game collection on a shelf? You owned those discs, cartridges, or even floppy disks. You could sell them, trade them, or even lend them to friends. But in the digital age, things have changed.

Valve, the company behind the popular gaming platform Steam, has recently made a significant shift in its terms of service. It’s now explicitly stating that when you “buy” a game on Steam, you’re not actually purchasing the game itself but rather a license to play it (check the highlighted light yellow square box in the above featured image).

Why the change?

This change is likely a direct response to a new California law that goes into effect next year. The law aims to clarify the ownership rights of digital purchases. In essence, it requires digital storefronts to be transparent about the fact that you’re only acquiring a license to use the digital content.

This is particularly relevant given past instances where companies like Ubisoft and PlayStation have removed digital purchases from users’ libraries. This practice has led to concerns about digital ownership and the potential for content to be taken away at any time.

For many gamers, this shift might feel like a blow to their sense of ownership. It’s a stark reminder that in the digital realm, things can be more ephemeral than their physical counterparts. However, it’s important to note that this is a growing trend in the industry.

It’s also worth mentioning that the law doesn’t apply to games that can be downloaded and played offline without an internet connection. This means that if you’re concerned about digital ownership, you might want to explore platforms that offer DRM-free games.