Do I Actually Own My Digital Games?
The answer to this question is no, as when you purchase a digital game, you are essentially buying a license to play it, rather than owning the game itself, with the game’s ownership remaining with the publisher or developer. This means that you have the right to play the game, but you do not have full control over it, and the publisher or developer can revoke your access to the game at any time, making it important to understand the terms and conditions of your digital game purchase.
Understanding Digital Game Ownership
When you buy a digital game, you are not actually buying the game itself, but rather a license to use it, which is governed by the terms of service and end user license agreement. This license gives you the right to play the game, but it also comes with certain restrictions and limitations, such as the ability of the publisher or developer to update or modify the game, or to terminate your access to the game if you violate the terms of service.
Key Considerations
It is essential to understand the implications of digital game ownership, including the fact that you may not be able to resell or transfer your digital games, and that you may be subject to online requirements or DRM (Digital Rights Management) restrictions.
FAQs
- What happens to my digital games if my console breaks? If your console breaks, you will not lose access to your digital games, as they are tied to your account, and you can redownload them on a new console.
- Can companies take away my digital games? Yes, companies can revoke your access to digital games at any time, for various reasons, such as violating the terms of service or closing down the game’s servers.
- Do I own digital games on PlayStation? No, when you buy a digital game on PlayStation, you are buying a license to play it, and you do not own the game itself.
- Can I sell my digital games? Generally, no, you cannot sell your digital games, as they are tied to your account, and licensing agreements usually prohibit the resale of digital games.
- How long do I own a digital game? You own a digital game for as long as the publisher or developer allows you to, which can be indefinitely, but can also be terminated at any time.
- Is it better to get disc or digital games? The choice between disc and digital games depends on your personal preferences, with disc games offering tangibility and resale value, and digital games offering convenience and accessibility.
- Why are digital games as expensive as physical games? Digital games are often priced similarly to physical games because of publishers’ and developers’ pricing strategies, which take into account production costs, marketing expenses, and revenue expectations.
- Can a digital game sell out? No, digital games cannot sell out, as they are infinite and can be copied and distributed digitally without any physical limitations.
- What happens to my digital games if I get banned? If you get banned from a gaming platform, you may lose access to your digital games, depending on the platform’s policies and the nature of the ban.
- Is it cheaper to buy games digitally? Generally, no, digital games are not cheaper than physical games, although prices can vary depending on the game, platform, and region.
- Can I refund a digital game? Refund policies for digital games vary depending on the platform and publisher, but generally, digital games are non-returnable and non-refundable.
- Will digital games last forever? Digital games can last for as long as the platform and servers supporting them are operational, but they can also be terminated or discontinued at any time.
- Do I own digital games forever? No, you do not own digital games forever, as the license to play them can be revoked or terminated at any time.
- Can Steam ban my account? Yes, Steam can ban your account for various reasons, including violating the terms of service or engaging in cheating or malicious behavior.
- Are physical games still popular? Yes, physical games are still popular, although digital game sales have surpassed physical game sales in recent years, with 89.5% of game sales being digital downloads in 2022, according to the ERA.