– As conversations continue surrounding the issue of ownership when purchasing digital content, one Pennsylvania lawmaker is introducing legislation that would better protect consumers when buying digital video games
In a memo to fellow PA House members, Rep. Jennifer O’Mara (D-Delaware) notes that while many consumers may assume that once they purchase a video game digitally, they may own it, in most cases, that is not true.
Many purchase a license to access the game, which can cause issues if a company shuts down online services, rendering the game useless and causing the consumer to lose access. O’Mara now plans to introduce companion legislation to a State Senate bill to strengthen protections for consumers.
The proposed legislation would require video game manufacturers to give customers a 60-day notice when they discontinue a game or change features, while also offering them three solutions: be able to play the game offline, offer a patch that would allow the buyer to continue to play online independent of the company’s services, or a refund based on the game’s highest price in the past year. The refund would be at least 25% of the original purchase price, O’Mara adds.
Subscription-based games, free games where customers did not make in-game purchases, and games that have permanent offline access would be exempt.
The State Senate’s Protect Our Games Act, or SB 1506, was introduced just last week as a response to Senator John Kane’s constituents, as many worry about licensing agreements and how they can be changed at any time or for any reason. The bill is currently referred to the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee.
No formal legislation has been introduced in the PA House as of yet.
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