Will we still own anything? Video games and the question of digital ownership

The concept of owning video games is increasingly being questioned, with a Portuguese article arguing that players are merely renting digital titles rather than truly owning them. The piece, written by Tomás Pereira Botelho for Público, suggests that games exist as data within consoles, making them the property of the company, not the consumer.

This perspective challenges the traditional understanding of ownership in the digital age. As games become increasingly digital, the physical act of purchasing a game no longer translates to outright possession. Instead, players acquire a license to access and play the game, a license that can be revoked or altered by the game company.

The article implies a growing concern among consumers about their rights and the permanence of their digital purchases. It raises questions about the future of digital ownership and whether consumers will continue to accept these rental-like models or demand greater control over their digital assets.