GOG has sent a bold message to Steam and other digital platforms, reminding you that if you purchase games from them, you will never lose access to them. Steam was the first to remind users that when they purchase video games, they are only buying a license to use them, not ownership. However, this is not the case with GOG.

Did you know that in most digital stores, you don’t truly own the games you buy? What you actually receive is a license to use them, and that license can be revoked at any time. This truth is hidden in the Terms and Conditions that most of us agree to without much thought. Because of this, the State of California will require companies, starting January 1, 2025, to include a clear warning about the nature of digital game purchases on platforms like Steam.

Just yesterday, it was reported that Steam officially acknowledged that you do not own the games you purchase. Before making a purchase, Valve now informs users that they are acquiring a license to use the game, which aligns with California’s new laws. These laws prohibit digital stores from using terms like ‘buy’ or ‘purchase’ unless they make it clear that what you are actually acquiring is a license to use the product, not full ownership.

In the coming weeks, we expect to see more companies adapting to California’s legislation. While Valve has been ahead of the curve, GOG has taken to social media to highlight one of its key advantages as a DRM-free digital store. They proudly remind players, and other platforms, that no one can take away the games you purchase on GOG because you receive an offline installer, allowing you to install and play your games anytime, anywhere.

GOG reminds players they will never lose their games

In a recent post on X, GOG stated: “Since paid banners are trending, we’re thinking of putting one up ourselves. How about this one?” The message directly refers to Steam’s disclaimer, which reads: “Purchasing a digital product grants a license for the selected product on Steam.” GOG, however, proposes an alternative banner: “When you buy a digital product on GOG, you get offline installers that no one can take away from you.”

With this statement, GOG positions itself as the best platform for preserving your games, thanks to its DRM-free policies, offline installers, flexible refunds, mod support, and more.

Source: 3djuegos