reply on: Steam reminds users don't own the games, GOG says games "cannot be taken away" \ stacker news ~gaming

100 sats \ 1 reply \ @endothermicdev 12 Oct \ on: Steam reminds users don't own the games, GOG says games "cannot be taken away" gaming

"A purchase of a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam." This disclaimer appears as though it's likely related to a California law set to come into effect next year, which'll stop digital storefronts from using words like "buy" in relation to things like game licenses unless it's obvious what people are spending their money on, as part of a move to make it clearer to consumers what they actually own

I think this actually makes some sense. It definitely feels like you're licensing access to software and not owning it in any sense. Might as well call a spade a spade.

42 sats \ 0 replies \ @freakoverseOG 26 Oct

Yup.

Unless Steam provides a developer with tickbox that removes the need for Steam's DRM system for the game being sold, and a tickbox mentioning there's no other DRM verification for the game by the devs/publisher, and a last checkbox (becomes togglable after the first 2 checks) to mention "I am selling a product that people will own. I am not selling a license to the game."

If all those boxes are ticked, the button will change to "Buy product". Otherwise, everything should be "Purchase license"

On a side note, before this change was made clear, people would/should assume (rightfully so IMO) that all of their purchases, prior to this change, are games that they 'own'.