Steam has started notifying players that when making a purchase, they are only acquiring a license to use the game

Steam has updated its checkout process, adding a message informing players that when purchasing a game, they are only acquiring a license to use it. Previously, such warnings were limited to the terms of service, but now they are included in the standard purchase process.

This change follows California Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of a law that prohibits digital platforms from using terms like “purchase” without clearly informing users that they are only buying a license, which can be revoked at any time.

California Assembly member Jacqui Irwin noted that with the increasing popularity of digital content, consumer protection has become more crucial. While these protections currently apply only in California, it seems Valve is preparing for similar regulations in other regions.

The debate over digital ownership has intensified in recent years as major companies have begun removing games from access, even after players paid for them. One example is Ubisoft’s shutdown of The Crew, which caused significant user dissatisfaction. In response, developers have promised to add offline modes to their new games to ensure long-term access in the future.