When it comes to digital games, the concept of ownership becomes a bit more complicated. Unlike physical copies of games that you can hold in your hands and do whatever you please with, digital games are essentially licensed to you for use. This means that you do not actually own the game in the traditional sense.
When you purchase a game from platforms like the PlayStation Network (PSN), Xbox Live, or the Steam store, what you are really buying is a license to play the game. This license is granted to you by the game’s publisher, and it comes with certain terms and conditions that you must abide by.
These terms and conditions typically include restrictions on how you can use the game. For example, you may be prohibited from making copies of the game, distributing it to others, or reverse-engineering it. The license also usually states that the publisher reserves the right to revoke your access to the game at any time, for any reason.
This lack of ownership becomes more apparent when you consider the fact that digital games are tied to your online account. If you were to lose access to your account or if the platform were to go out of business, you could potentially lose all the games you have purchased. This is a stark contrast to physical copies of games, which you can keep and play even if the company that produced them goes under.
Some argue that this lack of ownership is unfair, as you are essentially paying for something that you don’t truly own. However, it’s important to understand that the licensing model is what allows the digital game industry to thrive. It provides publishers with control over their intellectual property and enables them to continue developing and supporting games.
That being said, there are some digital game platforms, such as GOG.com, that offer DRM-free games. This means that once you purchase a game from these platforms, you actually own a copy that you can download, back up, and play offline without any restrictions. However, these platforms are the exception rather than the norm.
When you purchase a digital game, you are not buying ownership of the game itself. Instead, you are acquiring a license to play the game within the terms set by the publisher. While this may seem like a limitation, it is the licensing model that allows the digital game industry to operate and continue producing new games.