What does it even mean to “own” a video game?

[The_Liquid_Laser]

I have yet to see a digital service that I would consider reliable (other than gog.com).  I'm still mad about the Virtual Console and Wiiware games I bought on the Wii.  Why can't I play these on the Switch.  I bought digital PS3 games, and they aren't automatically available on PS4. Why?  I find this unacceptable.  But the reality is that digital games aren't reliable at all.  You don't own them, and companies don't really care if you lose your gaming library.  In fact, they have more of a financial incentive to make you buy these same games all over again. 

Steam accounts seem more reliable than console digital accounts run by Nintendo or Sony.  However, game companies can and do go out of business.  They can also be purchased.  Never thought I'd see the day when a console maker would buy the largest third party company, but Microsoft bought Activision.  Who owns Call of Duty now?  (Not to mention countless other Activision IP.)  If Activision could get bought, then Steam could get bought.  If Atari and Sega can leave the console space, then Valve can leave the digital marketplace.  Your digital games are not safe.  

Meanwhile I have all of these 30+ year old music CD's that I left in my car during extreme weather and they still play just fine.  And I treat my games much better than I treat my music CD's.  Physical media isn't 100% perfect, but I find it far more reliable than a digital marketplace.