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Your Games Aren't Yours: Licenses Can Be Revoked
8 Nov
Summary
- Digital game purchases are revocable licenses, not true ownership.
- Server shutdowns can render games unplayable, even offline modes.
- Legislation and lawsuits are emerging to protect game ownership.
The traditional understanding of owning video games is eroding as digital licenses can be revoked by publishers. Titles like NBA 2K25, launched in September 2024, are set to have their single-player modes disabled by December 31, 2026, due to server shutdowns. This follows Ubisoft's action with The Crew in March 2024, where servers were closed and the game reportedly removed from players' libraries.
This shift highlights that digital purchases are often licenses with terms set by the company, not outright ownership. Sony's terms of service explicitly state software is "licensed to you, not sold." This fragile ownership model is underscored by PlayStation's planned discontinuation of disc-based games starting January 2028.
Legislative efforts are emerging to address this, such as California's AB 2426 law requiring disclosure of licensing terms and Representative Ritchie Torres's proposed bill. However, these measures face legal challenges and varying international responses, like Europe's "Stop Killing Games" campaign, which saw the European Commission opt for voluntary talks instead of new laws.
As the industry moves towards a digital-only future, the strongest protection currently involves disclaimers at checkout. Consumers face a reality where games they "buy" may eventually cease to function, with true ownership remaining an elusive concept.
