The Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has signed a law that will require gaming platforms to clearly and understandably inform their customers that the purchase does not make them owners of the games but merely grants them usage rights.
The Crew
Specifically, the law will prohibit platforms from using terms like "buy" and "purchase" in California. Besides game stores, it will also affect platforms with movies, music, books, and other digital content.
In a conversation with Game File, the authors of the law stated that it was prompted by two events: 1) Sony's decision to remove Discovery movies and series from PlayStation console owners' libraries*, 2) Ubisoft's decision to halt the sale of the racing action game The Crew and revoke access to the game from those who managed to purchase it earlier. The lawmakers believe that consumers need to understand what they are paying for.
There are nuances. The law will not apply to:
- free-to-play games;
- games distributed as part of subscriptions;
- games with an offline mode that allows play without an internet connection.
Platforms violating the law will face a fine of $2,500 for each improper sale.
The law will come into effect on January 1, 2025.
*Later, Sony reconsidered and kept the Discovery content.