Steam Alerts: You're Buying a License, Not a Game

Steam has implemented a new notification that informs customers they are purchasing a license for games rather than gaining indefinite ownership. This change comes after California's assembly passed legislation aimed at clarifying digital media purchases, emphasizing that customers should understand they only hold a license to access the game, which may be revoked at any time. This warning appears in the shopping cart before customers proceed to payment, indicating that digital purchases carry potential limitations. Although this law is rooted in California, Steam has proactively included this message worldwide.

Buying a license means you do not own the game outright; instead, you have permission to play it, which can be revoked in certain circumstances, such as service shutdowns.

Steam, owned by Valve Corporation, is a leading digital distribution platform for PC gaming, known for offering a vast library of games and community features. The decision to include licensure warnings was influenced by cases like Ubisoft’s removal of The Crew from player libraries, which highlighted consumer concerns over digital ownership. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in digital media purchases as physical copies decline in prevalence.