California's New Law: Clarifying Digital Game Ownership
A new California law mandates greater transparency from digital game stores like Steam and Epic regarding game ownership. Effective next year, these platforms must clearly state whether a purchase grants ownership or merely a license.
The law, AB 2426, aims to combat misleading advertising of digital goods, including video games and associated applications. It defines a "game" broadly, encompassing applications accessed on various devices.
Crucially, the law requires clear and prominent language specifying the nature of the transaction. This means using larger, contrasting, or distinctly marked text to inform consumers that they may only be purchasing a license, not outright ownership.
Violations could result in civil penalties or misdemeanor charges. The law also prohibits using terms like "buy" or "purchase" to imply unrestricted ownership unless explicitly clarified.
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin highlighted the growing importance of consumer protection in the digital marketplace, emphasizing the often-misunderstood difference between purchasing a license and owning a digital product. She stressed that the law aims to prevent deceptive practices where consumers mistakenly believe they own a digital good permanently.
Subscription Services and Offline Copies Remain Unclear
The law's implications for subscription services like Game Pass remain undefined. Similarly, the issue of offline game copies is not explicitly addressed. This ambiguity stems from the evolving landscape of digital game distribution and the increasing prevalence of subscription models.
A Ubisoft executive's earlier comments suggesting consumers should accept the shift away from game ownership underscore the ongoing debate surrounding consumer rights in the digital gaming sphere. The new California law represents a significant step towards greater transparency and consumer protection, although some aspects still require further clarification.
