Any retailer that sells an online-only video game will soon need to warn customers, at least in the state of California, that the game they’re purchasing may not be theirs to play forever.

That warning will be required in California as of January 1, thanks to AB 2426, a consumer protection and false advertising bill signed earlier this week by the state’s governor, Gavin Newsom.

The bill makes it illegal for sellers of any digital goods—games, movies, books, etc—to use terms like “buy” or “purchase” during a transaction without the inclusion of a warning about the potential impermanence of what they’re paying for.

“The legislation was motivated by consumers losing access to content,” the bill’s sponsor, assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-CA), told Game File.

  • Sentient Loom
    link
    fedilink
    English
    02 days ago

    But what about their freedom to cheat me out of my money and content?