Digital Ownership
Ongoing coverage on Digital Ownership.
Latest coverage
Fed up with Sony, PlayStation fans compile a list of all the times the company said "you own" your games and…
PlayStation fans have compiled a list of Sony's past statements and store verbiage that suggest users "own" their digital games, in light of a class action lawsuit challenging these terms. The lawsuit hinges on a California law requiring clear communication about licensing versus ownership, with Sony arguing consumers are not misled by its terms. The article highlights numerous examples from the PlayStation Store and help pages that imply ownership, despite Sony's terms of service stating otherwise.
After Sony tells fans they don't own digital games, one Consumer Rights group is tracking all the times PlayStation said the opposite
A consumer rights group is tracking over 30 instances where Sony has implied customers own digital games, contradicting their recent legal argument that 'reasonable consumers' know they don't truly own them. A class action lawsuit alleges Sony's PlayStation Store is unclear about digital licenses being revocable, while Sony claims their disclosures are sufficient.
$2 billion later, I'm not convinced GTA 6 will do more for me than a PS2 and San Andreas
Despite the immense hype for Grand Theft Auto 6, the author questions if its evolved sandbox formula will offer more than classic titles like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on the PlayStation 2. The article suggests that due to concerns about digital ownership and Sony's move away from physical media, revisiting older games on original hardware might be a more satisfying and even a form of protest.
Corporations want to kill physical media because it suits them, but Big Box PC game packaging just got a second chance
GOG is offering printable big boxes for classic PC games, tapping into a renewed interest in physical media. This initiative, in collaboration with Big Box Collection, provides fans with a way to recreate the tangible experience of buying PC games from the nineties, contrasting with the perceived risks of digital ownership and the discontinuation of physical PlayStation titles by Sony.
Games Inbox: Will there be a Trailer 3 for GTA 6?
Readers discuss the likelihood of a third trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, express disappointment with Nintendo's Switch 2 priorities and Tomb Raider remake features, and debate the underutilization of the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller's touchpad. Other topics include the commercial struggles of PlatinumGames, the perceived decline of the Turok franchise, and the philosophy of digital ownership versus physical discs.
How to watch the PlayStation State of Play for September 2026 and what to expect including Final Fantasy 7 Revelation
Sony is hosting a PlayStation State of Play event on September 3, 2026, featuring a new look at Final Fantasy 7 Revelation and a subsequent State of Play Japan showcase for Japanese and Asian titles. The article speculates on potential game announcements and touches on ongoing discussions about digital ownership and the end of physical game production.
Games Inbox: Has Sony lost the trust of PS5 gamers?
Readers express significant distrust in Sony Interactive Entertainment's stance on digital game ownership, with one reader vowing to boycott the PlayStation 6. Other discussions include praise for Star Wars Zero Company and Beast of Reincarnation, anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6's realism, and a retrospective on the inconsistent quality of Sonic games.
PlayStation argues "reasonable consumers" already know they don't actually own their digital games
Sony's legal team is arguing that consumers understand they do not truly own digital games, even if they have paid for them. This defense comes amid a class-action lawsuit alleging that PlayStation Store disclosures are insufficient regarding digital ownership rights, particularly in light of a California law requiring clearer communication about perpetual access not being guaranteed.
'Reasonable' consumers know they don't own digital downloads, Sony says
Sony has stated that 'reasonable' consumers understand they do not own digital game downloads, in response to a lawsuit alleging the company violates California law. This statement addresses the ongoing legal debate surrounding digital ownership rights.
Sony’s Digital Game Ownership Argument Is Another Attack On Consumer Rights
Sony is arguing in a class-action lawsuit that it does not mislead consumers about purchasing digital game licenses instead of actual ownership. The company claims reasonable consumers understand these are licenses, not full ownership, and points to its terms of service disclaimers. This stance is concerning for the future of gaming, especially as physical media options diminish.
Sony's mad legal argument for digital PS5 games says there's only ever one copy
Sony is making a legal argument that digital game purchases are licenses, not sales, and that only one person can ever own a digital copy of a game. This stance is being taken in court following a lawsuit over alleged violations of consumer rights laws regarding digital storefront clarity. The company's reasoning suggests that if a consumer truly owned a digital game, no one else could play it, a logic that contradicts their own reported digital sales figures.
Xbox’s Disc-to-Digital Program is Now Live for Alpha Skip, Alpha, and Beta Insiders
Microsoft's Disc-to-Digital program is now available for Xbox Insiders, allowing users to convert physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X games into digital licenses. While not all titles are supported due to various reasons, a community-driven website is tracking eligible games. Microsoft may require proof of disc ownership in the future to maintain digital license benefits.
Sony lawyers argue that nobody is stupid enough to believe they actually own digital games, because then only one person…
Sony's lawyers are arguing in a legal filing that consumers do not actually own their digital games and are unlikely to believe they do. This argument is part of their defense against a class-action lawsuit alleging the company violates consumer protection laws by not clearly disclosing that purchases are licenses, not ownership.
Xbox announces disc-to-digital feature that lets you digitise physical Xbox One and Series X games
Xbox has announced a new disc-to-digital feature allowing players to convert physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X games into digital licenses. This feature, available for testing to Xbox Insiders starting August 31st, aims to enhance game preservation and provide greater flexibility for players. The digital entitlement means discs will no longer be required for play and enables benefits like Play Anywhere on PC and cloud streaming where supported.
Xbox officially announces disc to digital program
Xbox has officially announced a new "Disc to Digital" program that will allow players to convert their physical game discs into digital licenses. This feature, launching first for Xbox Insiders on August 31, will enable users to run compatible Xbox One and Xbox Series X games digitally, unlocking access to Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming. The initiative is presented as part of Xbox's commitment to game preservation.
Xbox Insiders will soon be able to create digital versions of their physical games
Xbox Insiders will soon be able to convert their physical game discs into digital versions. This new feature will support thousands of Xbox One and Xbox Series X titles, allowing players to access their libraries digitally.
Xbox Announces Disc to Digital Program, Letting You Convert Physical Games To Digital
Xbox has introduced a new program allowing users to convert physical game discs into digital copies. This initiative aims to provide a more convenient way to access games without needing the original disc, though certain limitations will apply.
Xbox announces disc-to-digital conversion plan as part of its "commitment to game preservation," and while it's a good idea the red flags have me scared
Microsoft announced a new disc-to-digital conversion feature for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, allowing players to claim digital entitlements for physical discs. While framed as a commitment to game preservation, concerns are raised about potential licensing issues and a possible shift towards an all-digital future, contrasting with PlayStation's approach.
Sony reminds PlayStation users they don't own anything: "The software is licensed to you, not sold"
Sony has reminded PlayStation users via email that digital game purchases are licensed, not sold, meaning users can lose access to them if their account is banned or closed. This communication comes as Sony plans to end physical disc production for new games in 2028, sparking concerns about digital ownership and game preservation. Similar terms of service are also noted for Microsoft's Xbox platform.
Poorly Timed PlayStation Email Reminds Us We Don’t Own Games
Sony Interactive Entertainment recently sent emails detailing updated PlayStation terms of service, reminding players that games are licensed, not owned. This has reignited backlash, particularly as Sony ends physical game production, leading to concerns about permanent loss of access to purchased content if an account is lost.
