True, however this could turn into the old slippery slope if it catches on.
Much like how Steam started out. For years, you could generally buy a CD/DVD version of a game, or buy from Steam. Then Steam got popular (and rightly so), and wiped out the former standard.
True. But I’ve got 600+ boxed copies of games here from the early 90’s up to a few years ago that will run just fine without any online verification whatsoever. I may not “own” those games, but…
Wait a minute. I think I do own them. Obviously, I do not have the right to duplicate and sell them, and I don’t own the IP, however, I do think that I do own my copies of those games, correct? I am free to do with them as I like, and no one can legally prevent me from playing those games, right? So I do own those games, much moreso than a Steamworks owner owns his copy. In that I am not at the mercy of someone else deciding I can no longer install those games.
Compatibility is another issue, but as long as I choose to maintain either an old computer, or the ability to run my games on a new computer, I can still legally do it, as long as I have my original disk containing all the files. Or GOG is a good option for me too.
But these are old arguments, and I have gradually wound up with a large library on Steam, in spite of my being dragged kicking and screaming onto the platform. And I can appreciate its conveniences, and indeed benefit from them, especially with newer games that require frequent patching. I no longer have room in my house for any more boxed games, and I realize I won’t live forever, so I’ve more or less given up caring.
But it’s been fascinating watching the trend away from “ownership” of pretty much anything these days. People lease their cars now, subscribe to their software, subscribe to temporary versions of their magazines online, rent their houses or apartments. Even relationships are generally temporary. And I can see their point: No one lives forever. So why bother owning anything?