California's New Law: Clarifying Digital Game Ownership
A new California law, AB 2426, mandates greater transparency from digital game stores like Steam and Epic regarding game ownership. Effective next year, these stores must clearly state whether a purchase grants ownership or merely a license.
The law aims to combat misleading advertising of digital goods. It defines "game" broadly, encompassing applications accessed on various devices, including add-ons and DLC. Stores must use clear and conspicuous language, specifying the nature of the transaction. Failure to comply could result in civil penalties or misdemeanor charges.
AB 2426 requires explicit language clarifying that "purchase" doesn't equate to unrestricted ownership unless the product is downloadable for offline access. Certain terms suggesting ownership, like "buy" or "purchase," are prohibited unless accompanied by a clear explanation.
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin emphasized the need for consumer protection in the increasingly digital marketplace. The law addresses the common misconception that digital purchases grant permanent ownership, similar to physical media. In reality, consumers often only acquire a license revocable by the seller.
Subscription services and offline copies remain unclear under the law. The recent removal of games by companies like Ubisoft has highlighted consumer concerns. A Ubisoft executive previously suggested that players should accept the shift away from outright game ownership, a sentiment echoed by the growing popularity of subscription models.
This new legislation aims to better inform consumers about their digital purchases, providing clarity and protection in a rapidly evolving industry.
