California's New Law Clarifies Digital Game Ownership
A new California law, AB 2426, mandates greater transparency from digital game stores like Steam and Epic regarding game ownership. Taking effect next year, the law requires these platforms to clearly state whether a purchase grants ownership or merely a license to use the game.
The legislation aims to combat deceptive advertising practices. Stores must use clear and conspicuous language, specifying the nature of the transaction. Failure to comply could result in civil penalties or misdemeanor charges.
The law defines "game" broadly, encompassing applications accessed on various devices, including add-ons and additional content. It mandates the use of specific formatting to highlight the license versus ownership distinction.
Furthermore, the law prohibits the use of terms like "buy" or "purchase" unless explicitly clarified that the transaction doesn't equate to unrestricted ownership. This is particularly relevant since digital goods can be revoked by the seller at any time, unlike physical copies.
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin emphasized the need for consumer protection in the increasingly digital marketplace, highlighting the common misconception that digital purchases grant permanent ownership.
Subscription Services Remain Unclear
The law's impact on subscription services like Game Pass remains undefined. The legislation doesn't address subscription models or the implications for offline game copies. This ambiguity follows comments from a Ubisoft executive suggesting players should become accustomed to not "owning" games in the traditional sense.
This new law represents a significant step toward greater transparency and consumer protection in the digital gaming market, though some areas remain to be clarified.
