Digital Gaming Rights
How to fix the video game industry's DRM issue
In an era where technology evolves at lightning speed, video gaming stands at the forefront of innovation. As more computing power is transferred from local processing to cloud-based game servers, it's imperative that we address the question of what exactly purchasing a game means, so creators and consumers are protected.
Why This Matters
Gaming is big business. Per Forbes, the gaming industry is worth just shy of $185 billion annually and the US video gaming industry drives over $45 billion annually. Putting that in comparison, the US recorded music industry is worth around $26 billion annually.
With the video game industry's recent growth has come questionable DRM (Digital Rights Management) and user access policies. In the past, a game could run without an external server. A player purchased a game and could play without fear of losing access. In a, a bit misguided, effort to combat piracy, many digital game studios now require continuous licence verification for the end user to play the game they legally purchased.
This restriction causes major problems. Looking at the issues of particular interest to Northern Virginia, gaming while in the military. Don't think the DoD sees the value in gaming, think again.
^ Literally a DoD link saying gaming is important to Morale
When on deployment, gaming is a major morale boost when the rest of your day could be better. Think I'm focusing on an issue that doesn't matter? Check out what the USO says.
DRM is such a problem; there are articles about which games you can play while deployed.
My Proposal
I'm not a huge gamer unless you count KSP, but I'm not naive to the concerns of that community. I also am not closed to suggestions or improvements. If you have other ideas about how to solve this issue, please let me know. I'm always looking for new information and ways to improve these issues.
1. Guaranteeing Perpetual Access
If you buy a game, it should operate without a continuous connection to an external server. While the game server/company is operational, DRM can operate similar to Spotify and require verifications at most, once a month. If game server is ever shut down, the game should default to open and continue to operate.
2. Mandating Transparency in Service
Game publishers and service providers should clearly communicate regarding the lifespan of online support and game accessibility. This transparency will foster a healthier ecosystem where consumers can make informed decisions and maintain realistic expectations about their digital purchases.
3. Archiving for the Future
Recognizing digital games as valuable cultural and historical assets, I propose directing the The Library of Congress to actively archive and share video games which are no-longer actively maintained. Who wouldn't love to play the OG Oregon Trail game again?
This effort ensures that future generations can study, reflect on, and enjoy the rich interactive narratives that define our era.
4. Promoting Open Source Development
I propose transforming digital games, particularly those at risk of being lost to time, into open-source projects. This approach preserves the games themselves and empowers a new generation of developers and historians to learn from and build upon these foundational works.
5. Strengthening Enforcement Mechanisms
I propose establishing robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure these policies are more than mere suggestions. These mechanisms will guarantee adherence to access, transparency, and preservation principles, making them actionable and impactful.
6. Encouraging International Collaboration
The digital gaming industry knows no borders, and neither should our approach to preserving its legacy. I propose forging international partnerships and sharing resources, knowledge, and strategies to protect digital game rights globally.
Help Make this Happen
Your support is crucial. If you support all or part of these ideas, please contact us about getting involved.
Additional Reading
Kishalaya Kundu