What Happens to Your Digital Game Library After You Die

The article discusses the challenges and limitations of passing on digital game libraries after death, specifically focusing on platforms like Valve Corp.’s Steam. A user from ResetEra inquired about including their Steam library in their will, only to find out that the games, being licensed digital assets, cannot be transferred to another person according to Steam’s policies. The article highlights that this issue isn’t unique to video games but extends to other digital assets as well, citing examples such as disputes over iTunes music libraries. It is pointed out that while physical devices containing digital content can be bequeathed, the transferability of the digital content itself is less certain. The piece also addresses broader concerns about video game preservation in the digital age, noting the challenges in maintaining access to games that are online or digital-only. The story underscores the complexity of digital asset inheritance and the legal and policy frameworks that currently govern it.