Steam now makes it crystal clear that you're purchasing a license, not the actual game

has updated its platform to clarify that purchasing a game grants users a license to use the game, rather than ownership of the game itself. This change is in response to a new California law, AB 2426, which requires digital storefronts to clearly state when a purchase only provides a license to access digital media.

The law, which applies to video games, music, movies, TV shows, and ebooks, will be effective in 2025. California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin emphasized the law's importance in protecting consumers from deceptive practices as physical media sales decline, and to prevent digital media sellers from misleading consumers into believing they own their digital purchases. The legislation does not apply to games offered through subscription services, games "sold" or given away for free, or games that can be downloaded and played permanently offline

GOG.com has also hinted that they are working on implementing a similar disclaimer, but so far, Steam appears to be the only major digital storefront that has actually put this into effect, with other gaming platforms like the Xbox Store, PlayStation Store, Nintendo Switch or Epic Games Store yet to introduce similar updates.