Protecting Your Digital Game Library: A Guide to Ensuring Your Games Never Disappear
The recent news that GOG.com has removed 29 games from its platform serves as a stark reminder that the games in your digital library could vanish without warning. This phenomenon is not exclusive to lesser-known titles; even popular games on platforms like Steam and Origin can be delisted, leaving players without access to their purchased content.
So, why does this happen, and what can you do to prevent it? The reality is that when you buy a game on a digital platform, you are essentially purchasing a license to access the content, not the game itself. This distinction is crucial because it means that if the seller changes their terms, goes out of business, or encounters licensing issues, the game can become inaccessible.
The lack of clear laws regarding ownership of digital assets further complicates the situation. In most jurisdictions, users do not have explicit rights to their digital games in perpetuity. The terms of service agreements that users agree to when creating an account or making a purchase often outline the limitations of ownership.
Delistings can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from expiring licenses to dwindling player bases. Games like Titanfall, Battlefield 2, Rocket League, Fable 3, and others have been removed from platforms like Steam and Origin for a myriad of reasons. Sometimes, the explanations provided by the platforms are vague or nonexistent, leaving players in the dark about why their favorite games are no longer available.
In some cases, delistings can be attributed to external factors beyond the control of the developers or publishers. For example, Battlefield 2 was delisted from Steam when the company running the game’s multiplayer servers shut down. Similarly, malicious activity such as DDOS attacks on Titanfall’s online servers led to the game’s discontinuation.
While some delistings are understandable, others leave players frustrated and disappointed. The removal of Need for Speed games from multiple platforms in 2021 sparked backlash from fans who were left without access to their favorite titles. EA cited a lack of resources as the reason for discontinuing these games, highlighting the challenges developers face in maintaining older titles.
So, what can players do to protect their digital game libraries? One option is to purchase physical copies of games whenever possible, as they are not subject to the same licensing restrictions as digital downloads. However, even physical copies come with limitations, as users only own the DVD and the license, not the software itself.
In the absence of clear laws protecting gamers’ interests, some have called for the establishment of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to preserving delisted games. These organizations could serve as repositories for games that are no longer available on commercial platforms, ensuring that they remain accessible to players in the future.
Ultimately, the power lies in the hands of consumers to choose where they buy and play their digital games. By carefully reviewing the terms of service agreements on different platforms, players can make informed decisions about where to invest their time and money. While there is no foolproof solution to prevent delistings, awareness and advocacy for consumer rights can help mitigate the impact of disappearing games on players’ libraries.
