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.

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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

https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/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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ST. LOUIS, Sept. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Excitement is in the air as Dave & Buster’s prepares to unveil its completely reimagined location in St. Louis on Friday, September 27! Situated at 13857 Riverport Drive in Maryland Heights, the ultimate destination for dining and entertainment is back and better than ever, promising a day filled with fun, food, and fantastic games.

A Fresh Take on Fun

The newly updated Dave & Buster’s location brings a thrilling blend of dining and entertainment, perfect for families and friends looking to make unforgettable memories together. With its innovative gaming activities and new ways to engage with one another, this reimagined venue is designed to elevate your gameplay experience.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

The Arena

Step into The Arena, a game-changing experience exclusive to Dave & Buster’s! This wall-to-wall gaming environment offers guests an array of ways to connect, compete, and conquer alongside their friends. For a limited time, you can dive into this cutting-edge gameplay for just $5 per person, per session! With a transparent exterior and room for up to eight players, The Arena sets the stage for intense competition with intuitive tracking technologies and immersive media.

Interactive Social Bays

Looking for that next level of fun? The Interactive Social Bays are here to redefine the way you play! Enjoy high-tech activities like High-Tech Darts and Social Shuffleboarding in reservable suites for two to six players. These exciting games feature mind-blowing digital interactivity that makes socializing even more engaging and fun!

Immersive Watch Experience

Calling all sports fans! The brand-new Watch Experience elevates game day to a whole new level. Featuring a jaw-dropping 40-foot screen and surround sound, every seat is the best in the house. With additional oversized HDTVs surrounding the bar, you’ll catch all the action in style!

Evolved Menu

Bring your appetite because the revamped chef-crafted menu is packed with new and improved mouthwatering options! There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for classic pub fare or innovative new flavors.

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Sleek New Design

Prepare to be wowed as you enter a vibrant, tech-forward environment that sets the perfect backdrop for eating, drinking, playing, and watching your favorite games!

Midway & Prizes

Dave & Buster’s wouldn’t be complete without its iconic Midway! With over 120 games, virtual reality experiences, and epic prizes waiting to be won, you’ll never run out of entertainment options. Plus, our Social Bays are available for booking private group events that are unforgettable!

Grand Opening Excitement

Don’t miss the grand opening on September 27! The first 200 people in line will receive free games for a year—a deal that’s too good to pass up! Doors open at 11 a.m., so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot and kickstart a year of gaming fun! Terms and conditions apply.

Celebrate with us during the opening day special, featuring a $5 Happy Hour where you can sip on delicious drinks like the new Tres Tequila Rita, 22 oz. Domestic Drafts, wine, Backwoods Blueberry Lemonade, and the ever-popular D&B Long Island Iced Tea.

Hours of Operation:

• Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. – Midnight
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.
• Sunday: 10 a.m. – Midnight

Join us for an epic entertainment experience at Dave & Buster’s St. Louis! For more information, visit www.daveandbusters.com.

Gather your crew and join us as we embark on this thrilling new chapter in St. Louis! 🎉🏓🍔

Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

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• Available as a PlayStation®4 download version on PlayStation®Store
• Favorable acclaim for the HD remastered versions of “Grandia” and “Grandia II” for Nintendo Switch™ across various global markets

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Gravity, a global gaming company, launched the PlayStation®4 download version of the RPG “Grandia HD Collection,” which was remastered and ported by GungHo Online Entertainment America, on the PlayStation® Store across Asia on July 18.

Grandia HD Collection

The “Grandia HD Collection” includes high-definition remastered versions of “Grandia,” originally released for the Sega Saturn home video console in 1997 and acclaimed with awards such as the GameSpot/IGN Editor’s Choice Award and the CESA Grand Prize, as well as “Grandia II,” which debuted in 2000 and received accolades including the IGN Editor’s Choice Award and the EGM Gold Award.

This collection has garnered positive reviews from RPG enthusiasts worldwide since its release on the Nintendo Switch™ in North America and Europe in August 2019 and in Japan in March 2020. It was subsequently released as both a package and a download version in Asia in 2021. After the launch of both the package and download versions, feedback from fans of the original game includes expressions of enthusiasm, with comments such as, “I am thrilled to see a remaster of the game I enjoyed as a child,” “I never imagined I would have the opportunity to relive a classic masterpiece,” and “The nostalgia of enjoying games from the past has been rekindled.” This positive reception has also generated interest among new players.

The newly released PlayStation®4 download version mirrors the one launched in Japan, North America, and Europe in March of this year and is now available for purchase on PlayStation®Store.

Yoo Joon, Team Leader of Console Business at Gravity, said, “Following the successful release of the Korean version of “Grandia HD Collection” for Nintendo Switch™ in 2021 and the positive user feedback we received, we are pleased to expand the platform and present this beloved RPG to PlayStation®4.” He added, “We hope that fans will continue to enjoy the joy and excitement of “Grandia HD Collection” on PlayStation®4.”

For more information about the PlayStation®4 download version of “Grandia HD Collection,” please visit PlayStation®Store (https://store.playstation.com/ko-kr/product/HP7670-CUSA48265_00-0056985318886756).

[Gravity official website] http://www.gravity.co.kr 
[PlayStation®Store 「Grandia HD Collection」] https://store.playstation.com/ko-kr/product/HP7670-CUSA48265_00-0056985318886756

[Copyright]

GRANDIA HD Collection
© 1997,1999 GAME ARTS/ESP
© 2019 GAME ARTS/ESP/GungHo Online Entertainment America
Character design/Takuhito Kusanagi
© 1997,1999, 2000 GAME ARTS
© GAME ARTS/SQUARE ENIX 2002.
© 2015,2019 GAME ARTS/SQUARE ENIX/GungHo Online Entertainment America
Character design/Youshi Kanoe
© 2019 GAME ARTS/SQUARE ENIX/GungHo Online Entertainment America
Published by Gravity Co., Ltd.

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GRANDIA HD Collection – GRANDIA
© 1997,1999 GAME ARTS/ESP
© 2019 GAME ARTS/ESP/GungHo Online Entertainment America
Character design/Takuhito Kusanagi
© 2019 GAME ARTS/SQUARE ENIX/GungHo Online Entertainment America
Published by Gravity Co., Ltd.

GRANDIA HD Collection – GRANDIA II
© 1997,1999, 2000 GAME ARTS
© GAME ARTS/SQUARE ENIX 2002.
© 2015,2019 GAME ARTS/SQUARE ENIX/GungHo Online Entertainment America
© 2019 GAME ARTS/SQUARE ENIX/GungHo Online Entertainment America
Character design/Youshi Kanoe
Published by Gravity Co., Ltd.

※ “PlayStation Family Mark,” “PlayStation” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

※ Microsoft, the Xbox Sphere mark, the Xbox logos are trademark of Microsoft group of companies.

SOURCE Gravity Co., Ltd.

Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Daily News/Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

and let your entertainment journey begin!

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