What Happens to Your Digital Games When You Die?
Shelves of physical games have been replaced by digital ones for most people. Unlike digital games, physical games have simple ownership rules. If it’s in your hands, it’s yours. This begs the question—once you’re gone, is your shelf of virtual games gone too?
The answer, frustratingly, is complicated. Digital content, such as games, is usually tied to End User License Agreements (EULAs). These EULAs almost universally prohibit the transfer of digital assets.
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As an illustration, according to Steam’s Subscriber Agreement:
You are entitled to use the Content and Services for your own personal use, but you are not entitled to: (i) sell, grant a security interest in or transfer reproductions of the Content and Services to other parties in any way, nor to rent, lease or license the Content and Services to others …
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Similarly, Sony’s PlayStation Network Terms of Service echoes this, stating:
You may not sell, buy, trade, or transfer your Online ID, Account or any personal access to PSN Services through any means or method, including by use of web sites.
Study the Subscriber Agreement or Terms of Service of any other game delivery service, big or small, and you’ll likely find similar wording. The games you buy through the service are for you and you alone. There simply aren’t provisions for someone inheriting your vast Steam library.
While the legal environment surrounding digital game transfers is complex and prohibitive, the practical reality differs. As long as someone has access to your account credentials, they can access and play your digital games. This effectively means your
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