With a new bill advancing in California, U.S., online stores will soon be required to provide clear, accurate information about what customers actually receive when they make a purchase. Terms like "sell" or "buy" will no longer be allowed, as digital copies don’t truly belong to users and aren't available for unlimited use, unlike physical media like CDs, DVDs, or Blu-rays. This includes video games, and amid the controversy, GOG.com reaffirmed its consumer-friendly policy that has contributed to its success.
GOG.com Notifies Gamers That Games Purchased on the Platform Are Truly Theirs
Following Steam's proactive move to comply with new regulations that will take effect in 2025 by adding a disclaimer on each “buy” button, PC gaming competitor GOG.com responded by emphasizing that users actually own their digital products. According to GOG, players can rest assured they will retain access to their games even if the platform shuts down, thanks to the offline installers provided.
The GOG.com statement reads: "Purchasing a digital product on GOG grants you offline installers, which will never be taken away from your possession."
While some users pointed out that, in the end, digital copies are still licenses, GOG offers a more secure option compared to other platforms. Players can count on continued access to their games, as GOG doesn’t require online validation, which could disrupt the gaming experience in the future. Additionally, users can install and play their titles offline—an approach that sets GOG apart from other digital stores.
GOG’s post on X was a direct response to Steam’s recent changes. Now, each purchase on Steam includes the disclaimer: "Buying a digital product grants a license for the product on Steam. For full terms and conditions, see the Steam Subscriber Agreement."
For those unfamiliar, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed bill AB 2426 into law, requiring online stores to inform users that games they purchase do not belong to them in the traditional sense. Instead, users are paying for the limited use of a license, which is not perpetual and can be altered or even removed from their account at any time.
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