Posted January 19, 2023
Cadaver747: Yes of course. But also a "no" in specific circumstances, for instance Codemasters removed Operation Flashpoint and we never saw the Red Hammer campaing due the licensing rights expiration.
MarkoH01: The legal side here really interests me. What is it that you actually buy when you buy on digital stores like GOG or Steam? Are they even required to let you download the game after you have once downloaded it? With DRM'd games the question is rather simple because you won't be able to play the game anymore if they don't provide the constant option to reeinstall it in the client but with GOG things are different since you get your installer you can archive. So I am wondering if the seller is required to keep the option for another download. We all know that even backups are not safe and bad things do happen. I could not find much regarding such specific cases when searching the net. Some links or information would be interesting. ========================
9.1 Occasionally we may need to patch or update GOG services or GOG content (for example to add or remove features or to resolve software bugs). We need these rights in order to keep GOG running efficiently. Our Partners may use GOG services to roll out patches or updates for applicable GOG content.
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2.1 We give you and other GOG users the personal right (known legally as a 'licence') to use GOG services and to download, access and/or stream (depending on the content) and use GOG content. This licence is for your personal use. We can stop or suspend this licence in some situations, which are explained later on.
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1.3 Also, when we're talking about games, in-game content, virtual items or currency or GOG videos or other content or services which you can purchase or access via GOG services, we’ll just call them “GOG games” or “GOG videos” respectively and when we talk about them all together they are “GOG content”.
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I read this as users either purchase or are gifted the right to download content but GOG can remove features from the content before any download - but I am not a lawyer.
Should they have stood up to the publisher? We don't know what sort of contract they have with the publisher. I think until they have sufficient leverage, they should prioritize a good relationship with the publisher so that they can bring more games even if it means they can't act as cloud storage / virtual library. But they should also clarify this download / feature removal policy to the customers. For example, in the Terms of service there are two columns "Legally Binding" and plain language "English Version" and for section 9.1 dealing with removal they write:
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From time to time we may need to patch or update how GOG services or content work.
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I think the term "update" here is insufficient to convey the issue. They should emphasize the need to download content as soon as possible after purchase to prevent the possibility of losing currently advertised features.