Do you really own your video games? Kelowna gaming experts discuss Sony’s decision

For decades, buying a video game meant owning it. You can lend it to a friend, trade it in at a local game store, or sell it after you’re done playing.

But with digital video gamesnone of these are possible.

Sony’s decision to move away from physical PlayStation games has frustrated many gamers and reignited a debate over digital ownership.

“When you buy a digital video game, you’re not actually buying a game,” said Sean Sterling, owner of Retro Realm In Kelowna, BC.

“You are purchasing a license associated with your account and that license cannot be transferred or sold.”

Sterling says that’s the real issue.

“What do you actually own? Do you actually own, or are you just leasing?” he said.

Sony isn’t the first to adopt this business technique, but the move could affect the rest of the gaming industry.

“All the other companies are watching this to see what the reaction will be, and they will likely follow suit. It’s a real shame,” Sterling said.

While the change could create challenges for retailers who rely on selling new releases, Sterling says retro game stores could benefit.

“There are some video game retailers that have built their model around selling new products, and they’re going to have some tough decisions to make in the near future,” he said.

In the Retro Realm, interest in physical media is popular and still growing.

“The recent announcement has really gotten people back into the stores. I’m seeing prices go up as people flock to these things.” Sterling said.

He says collectors are rediscovering the value of owning a complete game.

“The current quality of content on the shelves is really good. You don’t have to pay for updates and you own the whole game,” he said.

Sony has said the vast majority of PlayStation gamers already buy games digitally, but for collectors like Sterling, the debate isn’t about convenience.

“And you must be crazy if mastering something is a metric that matters in your life,” he said.

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