Do Digital Copies of Games Expire?
Digital copies of games do not expire in the sense that they become unusable or are deleted after a certain period, as long as you have access to the account where the game was purchased and the service that provides the game is still operational. However, the license to play the game can be revoked by the publisher or platform holder in certain circumstances, such as when a game is removed from sale or a server shutdown occurs.
Understanding Digital Game Licenses
Digital games are sold under a license agreement, which grants the user permission to play the game on a specific platform or device. This license is typically tied to the user’s account, and as long as the account remains active, the user can redownload and play the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will My Digital Games Last Forever?
Digital games can remain accessible as long as the platform or service that provides them is still available, and the user has access to their account.
Q2: Can Digital Copies of Games Run Out?
Digital-only game releases cannot sell out unless the publisher implements a limited copy system, similar to what Nintendo did with Super Mario All Stars.
Q3: Do Digital Games in PS5 Expire?
Only free downloads from PS+ or Xbox Live may expire if the subscription is not renewed; purchased games from the PS Store or Xbox Marketplace do not expire.
Q4: Do I Have to Buy a Digital Game Again if I Delete It?
No, once a game is purchased on the PlayStation Store or Xbox Store, it is permanently linked to that account, and the user can redownload it at any time.
Q5: What Happens if You Delete a Game You Bought Digitally?
Deleting a digitally purchased game does not impact save data, and the game can be redownloaded using the same account with which it was purchased.
Q6: Does Factory Reset Delete Digital Games?
A factory reset on a console will delete all user data, including accounts, saved games, settings, and all games and apps.
Q7: Is It Better to Buy PS5 Game or Digital?
The decision to buy a physical or digital copy of a game for the PS5 depends on individual preferences regarding game ownership, storage space, and convenience.
Q8: Do You Have to Rebuy Games for PS5 Digital Edition?
Some PS4 games can be upgraded to the digital PS5 version at no additional cost, while others may require a purchase or be available for a limited time.
Q9: How Many Digital Games Can PS5 Hold?
The PS5 can store around 10-15 games on its hard drive, depending on the size of the games.
Q10: Is It Better to Buy Games Digitally or Discs?
Buying physical copies of games provides ownership and the ability to lend or sell the game, while digital copies offer convenience and accessibility.
Q11: What Are the Cons of Digital Games?
Common cons of digital games include the risk of addiction, aggression, health concerns, and the lack of ownership.
Q12: Is It Illegal to Download Games That Are No Longer Sold?
Downloading copyrighted games that are no longer sold is considered copyright infringement, as copyrights remain valid even if the game is not commercially available.
Q13: How Long Do You Own a Digital Game?
You own a digital game for as long as you have access to your account and the service that provides the game is still operational.
Q14: Do You Actually Own Digital Games?
When buying digital games, you purchase a license to play the game, rather than owning the game itself.
Q15: Can I Sell My PS5 with Digital Games?
Digital games are tied to the PSN account, and the only way to transfer them is to sell or give away the account itself.