How Long Do You Really Own Digital Games?
The question of ownership in the digital age is a complex one, especially when it comes to something as cherished as video games. The quick and often-repeated answer to how long you own digital games is: you don’t own them forever, or even in the traditional sense of owning something tangible. Instead, what you are purchasing is a license to play the game, tied to your account on a specific platform, be it PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Steam, or another. This means your access to your digital game library is contingent on several factors, which we will explore in detail below. The crucial takeaway is this: unlike physical games, which you possess as a physical item, digital games are more like renting a long-term subscription, which can be revoked, altered, or made unavailable based on the platform’s policies, circumstances, or decisions.
Understanding the Nature of Digital Game Ownership
It’s a License, Not Ownership
When you buy a digital game, you aren’t getting a tangible product that you can hold in your hand. Instead, you’re purchasing a digital license that gives you the right to access and play the game on the platform you bought it from. This license is typically bound to your user account, not to the console or PC itself. The terms of this license are determined by the platform holder and game publisher, and these can change over time.
The Role of Your Account
Your access to your digital games is inextricably linked to your account on the platform. As long as your account remains in good standing, meaning you haven’t violated the platform’s terms of service, and as long as the game remains available on the platform’s store, you should be able to continue playing the games you’ve licensed. However, should your account be banned or suspended, you risk losing access to all games tied to that account, regardless of how much you spent on them.
Platform Dependency
Digital licenses are platform-specific. A game purchased on PlayStation is not playable on Xbox, and vice versa. This also means that the longevity of your access is tied to the ongoing operation of these platforms. If a platform were to cease operations, there is no guarantee that your digital games would be transferable or playable elsewhere. Therefore, while the game may have a license that is “yours”, its practical availability is dependent on the provider.
Potential Threats to Your Digital Game Access
Several factors can potentially jeopardize your access to your digital games:
- Platform Shutdown: If a platform goes out of business or decides to shut down its servers, your digital games may become inaccessible. While unlikely for major platforms like PlayStation or Steam, smaller or older platforms are more susceptible to this.
- Account Bans: Violating the terms of service, such as cheating or engaging in abusive behavior, can lead to an account ban, which often results in the loss of access to all digital games on that account.
- Publisher Decisions: Publishers can remove games from digital storefronts due to licensing issues, changing business strategies, or other reasons. Once a game is removed, it might not be available for download or redownload if it is not currently in your local download history.
- Regional Restrictions: Games purchased in one region may not be playable in another due to licensing agreements and regulations.
- Game Updates: Sometimes game updates are not compatible with older platforms and you could face an issue accessing your title due to that incompatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Digital Game Ownership
1. Do I own my digital games forever?
No. You don’t own them forever. You have a license to play the game, which is dependent on your account status, the platform’s continued operation, and the availability of the game on the digital store.
2. What happens to my digital games if my console breaks?
As long as you use the same account on a replacement console, your digital game library should be available for download. Your purchases are tied to your account, not the specific device.
3. Can digital games sell out?
No. Digital games cannot sell out because they are just files available for download. They can be acquired at any time and simultaneously for any number of users.
4. Do digital games expire?
Typically no, they do not. As long as the game is available on the platform’s store and your account is active, your license to play should remain valid. There are times where the license may lapse for a number of reasons, however.
5. Can I get a refund for digital games?
Some platforms offer refunds within a limited time frame (often 14-30 days) for games that are faulty or that have an unsatisfying license agreement, but usually only if you have not downloaded or played it. Each platform has its own policy, so read the terms carefully.
6. What happens to my digital games if my account is banned?
If your account is banned, you typically lose access to all digital games associated with that account. This can be a severe consequence for violating the terms of service.
7. Are digital games cheaper than physical games?
Often, digital and physical games launch at the same price, but physical copies tend to get discounted much faster than digital games due to the retailer wanting to move inventory.
8. Why are digital games not always on sale?
Digital game prices are set by the publishers, whereas retailers set the prices for physical copies. Retailers often discount physical games to clear shelf space or to get rid of excess inventory that they purchased.
9. Do I actually own the games I buy?
You own the physical disc of a game but not the software itself. Similarly, with digital games, you own a license to use the software, not the software directly.
10. Can I share my digital games with friends?
Most platforms have restrictions on game sharing. Some may allow limited sharing within a household but not across different locations or user accounts. Be sure to review each platform’s specific terms to avoid violating any rules.
11. What happens to my digital games if the game is removed from the store?
If a game is removed from the store, you usually can still redownload and play it if you already own it, provided the servers for that game are still operational. However, new purchases will not be possible, and should the developer/publisher ever take the servers down, you could lose access.
12. Is it better to buy physical or digital games?
This is subjective and depends on your preferences. Digital is convenient, but physical copies can be cheaper long term, and you can lend or sell them.
13. Will consoles eventually go all digital?
The gaming industry has been moving in that direction for years. The increasing popularity of digital downloads does suggest that an all-digital future may eventually become the standard. Many newer consoles have all-digital options.
14. Can I lose my digital games due to licensing issues?
Yes, if the licensing agreement for a game expires between the publisher and the platform, the game might become unavailable, even if you own it. This is rare, but not impossible, especially for older or licensed titles.
15. Are digital games addictive?
Digital games, like physical games, can be addictive. It is important to practice healthy gaming habits and seek professional help if you suspect gaming might be impacting your well-being negatively.
Conclusion
The concept of owning digital games is, at its core, different from owning physical media. While you are granted a license to play the game, your access is reliant on the platform’s existence, your account’s standing, and the continued availability of the game. While digital downloads provide great convenience, it’s crucial to understand the limitations and risks associated with this form of ownership. By being informed and taking care of your account, you can minimize potential issues. In the meantime, the debate over digital ownership, and how it compares to traditional ownership, is certain to remain an important one as more and more of the game industry heads in this direction.