The recent news that GOG.com has delisted 29 games this month serves as a sobering reminder that the games you own could vanish from your PC game libraries at any time. This phenomenon is not unique to GOG, as history has shown that it can happen to well-known titles on platforms with millions of users like Steam and Origin.
The laws around your digital assets differ depending on where you live, but in most jurisdictions, there are no clear laws stating that you unequivocally own and have the right to your digital games in perpetuity. When you buy a game on a digital platform, you’re essentially just paying to access the content – you own a license but not the actual game.
Platforms often cite various reasons for delisting games. Expiring licenses is a common reason, as seen in the case of the James Bond game Quantum of Solace. In other cases, games may be delisted due to malicious activity, a significant decline in player base, or when a game’s servers are shut down.
One option is to buy a physical copy of the game, but this is not always possible. Even with physical copies, you still don’t own the software, just the license to play it. To protect your digital games, it’s essential to read the fine print when creating an account or buying a game on a digital platform.
In conclusion, the delisting of games from digital platforms highlights the need for consumer protection laws to safeguard gamers’ interests. Until then, gamers must be aware of the terms and conditions of their digital purchases and choose platforms that respect their rights.
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