A US congressman has proposed new legislation to protect video game ownership rights as digital purchases remain a contentious issue.
A noteworthy development in the ongoing debate surrounding digital game ownership has emerged, with US Representative Ritchie Torres introducing the “Power To The Players Act.” This proposed legislation aims to address the lingering concerns about whether consumers truly own the games they purchase digitally. According to a report by PC Gamer, Torres argues that current digital distribution practices amount to rentals rather than purchases, as games can disappear if a company’s servers are shut down or DRM policies change. This move highlights a persistent issue for PC gamers, who have largely transitioned to digital distribution over the past two decades.
Steam Achievements Overhaul
Valve is making significant changes to Steam achievements, as reported by PC Gamer. The update, currently in beta, introduces distinct achievement sets for a game’s base content, DLCs, and seasonal events. This means that players can maintain a ‘100%’ achievement status for a game’s base content, even if they choose not to purchase or play additional DLCs. These changes should satisfy achievement hunters who felt their progress was unfairly reset by new content releases. Developers will now have more flexibility in designing achievements tailored to their games, enhancing the completionist aspect in PC gaming.
Jagex Scraps RuneScape Reignited
In an unexpected reversal, Jagex has cancelled its recently announced RuneScape Reignited, a project intended to offer fresh start servers for RuneScape players. Just two weeks after its announcement, PC Gamer reports the project faced backlash from the community, with concerns about player base fragmentation and subscription requirements leading to its quick demise. This move suggests Jagex is responsive to its player base but also illustrates the challenges of rolling out new initiatives in long-established MMO environments without alienating veteran players.
Phantom Blade Zero’s Approach to Game Balance
Lastly, Phantom Blade Zero, an upcoming multiplayer action game, is making headlines for its unique approach to game balance. In an interview with PC Games N, the game’s director explained their decision not to strive for perfect balance among the game’s 30 weapons. This intentionally uneven design promotes diverse gameplay experiences over the more traditional balanced approach. While some may find this departure from balance intriguing, it remains to be seen how it will impact the game’s competitive scene upon launch.
