What happens to digital games if you get banned?
If you get banned from a gaming platform, you will likely lose access to all the digital content you have purchased over the lifetime of the account, but the specific consequences can vary depending on the platform’s policies and the type of ban you receive. The digital games themselves are tied to your account, not the console, so you won’t be able to access them on a new console unless you recover your account or purchase the games again.
Understanding Digital Game Ownership
When you purchase a digital game, you’re essentially buying a license to play it, rather than owning the game outright. This means that the game developer or publisher can revoke your access to the game at any time, for example, if you violate their terms of service.
FAQS
Q1: Are digital games yours to keep?
Digital games are yours to keep as long as you maintain your account and don’t violate the platform’s terms of service.
Q2: What happens to my games if I get banned from Steam?
If you get banned from Steam, you will lose access to all the digital content you have purchased, but you may still be able to access your games on a new account if you purchase them again.
Q3: Do I lose all my games if my PlayStation account gets banned?
If your PlayStation account gets banned, you may lose access to all the digital games you have purchased, but you can try to appeal the ban or purchase the games again on a new account.
Q4: How long do you own digital games?
You own digital games as long as you maintain your account and the platform continues to support the game.
Q5: What happens to digital games if the eShop closes?
If the eShop closes, you will still be able to redownload your purchased games from the eShop for the foreseeable future.
Q6: Is it better to buy digital or physical games?
The choice between digital and physical games depends on your personal preference, but physical games can be resold or traded, while digital games are tied to your account.
Q7: What is the most banned video game?
The most banned video game is RapeLay, due to its controversial content.
Q8: What is the longest ban in video games?
The longest ban in video games was the 34-year ban on pinball machines in New York City.
Q9: Can I sue a game for banning me?
You can sue a game for banning you, but it’s unlikely you will be successful due to the terms of service.
Q10: Are digital games tied to console or account?
Digital games are tied to your account, not the console, so you can access them on any console linked to your account.
Q11: Can PlayStation take away your digital games?
PlayStation can take away your digital games if you violate their terms of service or if your account is banned.
Q12: Are digital games addictive?
Digital games can be addictive, with some researchers considering video game addiction a behavioral addiction similar to gambling disorder.
Q13: Can you download owned games after the eShop closes?
You can download owned games after the eShop closes, as long as you have previously purchased them.
Q14: Are digital Switch games permanent?
Digital Switch games are permanent, as long as you maintain your Nintendo Account and don’t violate the terms of service.
Q15: Will Nintendo refund a digital game?
Nintendo does not refund digital games, except in certain circumstances, such as if the game is defective or if you have been banned from the Nintendo eShop.