gaming
A Cautionary Tale: California’s New Digital Ownership Law and the Future of Gaming
California’s new law (AB 2426) aims to clarify digital ownership by prohibiting terms like “buy” for digital goods without clear warnings, emphasizing that we license rather than own them. Gaming Community
Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Rod Washington
Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been buzzing around the gaming community since PC Gamer dropped the news about California’s new law (AB 2426) concerning digital ownership. As a lifelong gamer and someone who has always been a bit skeptical about the concept of “buying” digital games, this new legislation hits home for me.
Cautionary Tale for the Gaming Community
First, let’s break down what this law entails. Starting in 2025, retailers in California will be prohibited from using terms like “buy” or “purchase” when it comes to digital goods—think video games, movies, and e-books—unless they issue a clear warning that these products can be taken away at any moment. The law aims to clarify that “ownership” of digital items is not the same as owning a physical product.
Honestly, my first reaction to this was a mix of relief and frustration. Relief because, finally, someone is calling out the elephant in the room: when we buy digital games, we’re not truly buying them, are we? We’re essentially licensing them. Frustration, on the other hand, stems from the fact that it took this long for lawmakers to recognize this issue, especially after high-profile incidents involving companies like Sony and Ubisoft.
Let’s talk about the impetus for this law. It all started when Sony announced the removal of certain content from the PlayStation Store due to expiring licenses. Players who had “bought” these digital shows suddenly found themselves locked out of content they thought they owned. Sony eventually reversed its decision, but the damage was done, and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin decided it was time to step in.
Then came Ubisoft’s decision to pull the plug on The Crew, a racing game that became unplayable when its online servers were taken offline. Imagine investing your time and money into a game only to find out that you can’t even play the single-player mode anymore. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile our digital ownership really is.
The law itself might be dense and legalistic, but the implications are clear. It’s about time we start viewing digital purchases with a more critical lens. Sure, you can still play your games as long as the servers are up, but once those go down, what happens? You’re left with a beautiful box art in your library, but it’s just an empty shell.
The requirement for sellers to provide a warning or seek an “affirmative acknowledgment” from buyers seems like a step in the right direction. Yet, it feels more like a band-aid solution rather than a comprehensive fix. The real kicker for me is the provision that allows for a “permanent offline download” option. That’s what we need! A way to ensure that even if the digital landscape shifts, our ability to play isn’t stripped away overnight.
As gamers, we’ve been conditioned to accept the “always-online” model, but should we? This law is a wake-up call that reminds us to demand more from the companies we support. If I’m paying for a game, I want the assurance that I can keep playing it, regardless of server availability.
In conclusion, while California’s new law is a significant step forward in recognizing the nuances of digital ownership, it also highlights the ongoing battle between consumers and corporations. As we move toward an increasingly digital future, it’s crucial that we stay informed and advocate for our rights as gamers. After all, we deserve to know what we’re really “buying” when we hit that purchase button.
What are your thoughts on this new law? Do you feel more empowered as a consumer, or are you still worried about the future of digital gaming? Let’s chat in the comments!
Happy gaming, and remember to always read the fine print!
PC Gamer Article: New California law inspired by Ubisoft and Sony requires retailers to warn consumers that the digital games they buy can be taken away at any time
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Entertainment
Smart Gaming: How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe Online
Parents can enhance kids’ safety during online gaming by using privacy settings, researching games, enabling age checks, keeping personal information private, and utilizing parental controls and security tools.
Last Updated on January 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Smart Gaming: How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe Online
(Family Features) Playing video games can be a fun, social experience. However, online gaming also poses real risks, especially for kids. As a parent, you don’t necessarily need to be a gamer yourself to help keep your children safe when the controller is in their hands.
Consider taking proactive steps like these to create a healthy online gaming environment for kids of all ages.
Check System Privacy Settings
As a first line of defense – before your child even starts gaming – spend some time in the device or console privacy settings. Here you can turn off sharing, disable location tracking, limit microphone and camera access and restrict how other users can interact with your child’s profile. Similarly, many games and platforms include built-in privacy settings that can be tailored to your child’s age and online experience. These settings may allow you to limit who can view your child’s profile or send a friend request, message or voice chat.
Research Games
Because not all games are created equal, look up game ratings through a service such as ESRB before buying or downloading to understand the maturity level of the game and determine if it’s appropriate for your child. To take it a step further, read reviews from other parents or watch gameplay videos to see if you deem not only the content but also the social interaction acceptable.
Use Facial Age Estimation
Online platforms are increasingly looking for ways to keep users safe, and that includes added levels of verification. As part of a multilayered approach to safety, Roblox is the first online gaming platform to require age checks for users of all ages to access chat features, enabling age-appropriate communication and limiting conversations between adults and minors. These secure age checks are designed to be fast, easy and secure using Facial Age Estimation technology directly within the app.
“Our commitment to safety is rooted in delivering the highest level of protection for our users,” said Matt Kaufman, chief safety officer at Roblox. “By building proactive, age-based barriers, we can empower users to create and connect in ways that are both safe and appropriate.”
Once age-checked, users are assigned to one of six age groups: under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20 or 21 and older, ensuring conversations are safe and age appropriate. Age checks are optional; however, features like chat will not be accessible unless an age check is completed. Chat is also turned off by default for children under age 9, unless a parent provides consent after an age check.
Keep Personal Information Private
It’s seldom a bad idea to be extra cautious when interacting with strangers online, even if they seem friendly enough while playing the game. Teach children what information not to share, including their full name, address, birthday, school name, phone number, email address, passwords or any photos that may contain any personal information (like a house number or school logo) in the background. Also encourage a screen name and generic avatar for added privacy.
Turn on Parental Controls
Designed to allow parents a supervisory role in their child’s online gaming experience, parental controls on many platforms include the ability to set schedules and limit playtime, restrict access to certain content or social features, require a password for purchases or set a spending limit.
Avoid Clicking Unfamiliar Links
Player profiles and in-game chats may include links to external sites, including those promising rewards or cheat codes. Because they can be used to gain access to personal information, remind your children to ask an adult before clicking any unfamiliar links while gaming so they can be verified as trustworthy.
Employ Privacy and Security Tools
While system or console-specific settings allow parents to set content restrictions, approve downloads, manage friends lists and more, additional layers of security are sometimes necessary. Extra safeguards such as antivirus and internet security software, DNS (domain name system) filtering and two-factor authentication can also be enabled to help keep kids safe online.
For more tools to help parents make informed decisions and support their children’s gaming experience, visit corp.roblox.com/safety.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (father and daughter playing video game)
SOURCE:
Roblox
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Entertainment
Beam Unveils Veo 3.1-Powered AI Platform: Transforming Videos into Playable Games and Interactive Stories
Discover Beam’s new Veo 3.1-powered AI platform, transforming videos into playable mini-games and interactive stories—no coding required. Explore the future of interactive media for creators and storytellers.
Last Updated on December 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Play and Create
Interactive Shorts
Beam Unveils Veo 3.1-Powered AI Platform: Transforming Videos into Playable Games and Interactive Stories
Video, Reimagined: From Passive Watching to Active Playing
How It Works: No-Code Creation, Limitless Possibilities
- AI-Generated Media: Instantly create video, images, and music using cutting-edge AI tools.
- Drag-and-Drop Grid Editor: Arrange scenes, add branching choices, and build interactive storylines—all visually, right in your browser.
- Instant Publishing: Share your playable mini-games and interactive shorts to the web with a single click.
Free Early Access for Creators
The Future of Interactive Media
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Dragon Shield Partners with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast for Official MAGIC: THE GATHERING Accessories
Dragon Shield has partnered with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast to create premium MAGIC: THE GATHERING accessories featuring iconic game art. Launching with the Legendary and Landfall Series, these sleeves blend durability with visual storytelling, marking a significant evolution for both brands.
Premium TCG accessory maker brings iconic Magic imagery to protective sleeves and gaming gear
Dragon Shield, the go-to name in trading card game protection, just leveled up. The Denmark-based company announced a major licensing deal with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast to produce official MAGIC: THE GATHERING accessories, bringing decades of iconic game art to their premium product line.
For Magic players who’ve trusted Dragon Shield sleeves to protect their valuable cards, this collaboration means something special: official artwork featuring the legendary creatures and landscapes that define the game’s rich history.
Two New Series Honor Magic’s Legacy
The partnership launches with two distinct product lines that tap into what makes Magic legendary:
The Legendary Series kicks off with The Ur-Dragon, one of Magic’s most beloved legendary creatures. These Dual Matte Art sleeves celebrate the powerful characters that have captivated players since the game’s inception. It’s a fitting tribute to the timeless imagination that keeps millions shuffling up each week.
The Landfall Series takes inspiration from Magic’s foundation—literally. The debut features all five Tarkir: Dragonstorm fetch lands in their showcase forms. For players who know that lands aren’t just mana sources but works of art in their own right, this series delivers both beauty and gameplay significance.
When and Where to Get Them
Magic fans attending MagicCon: Atlanta will get first access to these new products, including an exclusive “Dracogenesis” sleeve featuring artwork from the Tarkir Dragonstorm set—chosen specifically to symbolize this new partnership.
Worldwide retail availability is set for late 2025, giving players everywhere the chance to sleeve up with official Magic artwork.
What the Partnership Means
“Working with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast marks an exciting new chapter for Dragon Shield,” said Kevin Isaacson, Dragon Shield’s CEO. “MAGIC: THE GATHERING has inspired players for decades, and this collaboration allows us to bring our passion for quality and design to a game and community we deeply admire.”
Rebecca Shepard, Vice President of Franchise for MAGIC: THE GATHERING at Wizards of the Coast, emphasized the natural fit: “Dragon Shield is a trusted name among fans, and this collaboration ensures players can protect the game they love with accessories that celebrate the stories, legends, and artistry that make MAGIC legendary.”
Why This Matters for Players
Dragon Shield has built its reputation on durability and design—sleeves that actually last through countless shuffles and gameplay sessions. Now that quality meets official Magic artwork, from the most iconic legendary creatures to the lands that fuel every strategy.
Whether you’re protecting a Commander deck built around The Ur-Dragon or keeping your fetch lands pristine, these new accessories blend practical protection with the visual storytelling that makes Magic more than just a card game.
For the millions of Magic players worldwide, this partnership represents something simple but significant: the accessories that protect your cards can now reflect the game’s legendary status.
Learn more at dragonshield.com or follow the latest updates on Instagram.
What’s your take on the new Dragon Shield × Magic collaboration? Will you be picking up The Ur-Dragon sleeves or waiting for the Landfall Series? The blend of premium protection and iconic Magic art seems like a natural evolution for both brands.
SOURCE Dragon Shield
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