California will soon require stores to make clear that buying digital content, including games, movies and music, doesn't mean you actually own it.
Starting next year, Californian customers will be informed that purchasing a game on Steam, for example, simply means purchasing a license for the content. Terms such as “buy” and “purchase” will be prohibited in the sales process unless sufficient caveats are added.
The new legislation, AB 2426, signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom and first reported by The edge – is designed to make consumers more aware of the sometimes temporary nature of digital ownership.
In recent months, Ubisoft made headlines after it disabled its racing game The Crew and subsequently removed it from player accounts. We've also seen PlayStation's quick removal of Concord following that game's failure (although refunds were provided). And even though it's a free-to-play game, EA announced last night that it was canceling its veteran mobile hit The Simpsons: Tapped Out. , after 12 years of people playing and paying in the app.
“As retailers continue to move away from selling physical media, the need to protect consumers when purchasing digital media has become increasingly important,” said Jacqui Irwin, a member of the California Assembly.
“I thank the Governor for signing AB 2426, ensuring that false and misleading advertising by digital media sellers that incorrectly tell consumers they own their purchases becomes a thing of the past.”
It remains to be seen how storefronts will adapt to the law that goes into effect and whether we will be able to see those changes reflected more widely, outside of California.