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Epic gave away nearly 600 million games in 2024, and it's 'not slowing down' for 2025 (www.pcgamer.com)

submitted 6 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 13 points 6 days ago (1 children)

To be fair, the same is true of Steam, even with purchased games. We don't own anything but a licence.

https://www.thegamer.com/steam-digital-game-ownership-licence-disclaimer/

Conclusion: GOG > Steam/Epic

[–] [email protected] 0 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Conclusion: GOG > Steam/Epic

How much do they pay you?

https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/212632089-GOG-User-Agreement?product=gog

2.1 We give you and other GOG users the personal right (known legally as a 'license') to use GOG services and to download, access and/or stream (depending on the content) and use GOG content. This license is for your personal use. We can stop or suspend this license in some situations, which are explained later on.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 days ago (2 children)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but platforms like GOG and Humble Bundle often provide the actual DRM free software which can be installedd independently of their platform and license.

Steam and Epic are not like that. Steam typically requires us to use its launcher to play games, as they are tied to our Steam accounts. Epic sometimes actually allows one to directly access the game files. Of course, the level of DRM can vary depending on the specific game and developer.

[–] PlzGivHugs 1 points 5 days ago

Worth noting that Steam does not enforce the use of its DRM. Like Epic, its up to developers to add it.

As for installing games after the services ends, I'd be curious to know if any have specified what happens to game licences at that point. Obviously, if the licence is revoked, continuing to play it is piracy, but if these services close, are the licences revoked? I couldn't find anything matching in the Steam or GOG terms of service.