Protect Your Game Library: DRM, Delisted Titles & Lost Accounts

This guide shows you how to safeguard your digital game collection against the three biggest threats: account loss, game delisting, and broken DRM. You’ll learn practical steps to keep your games accessible even when platforms fail, stores close, or servers go dark. No special tools are required—just some time and a few free accounts.

What You’ll Need

• A computer with internet access
• An external hard drive or large USB stick (at least 500GB recommended)
• Free accounts on a cloud storage service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, or MEGA)
• A password manager (optional but highly recommended)
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) app on your phone (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy)

Step-by-Step

1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on every game account. Go to your account settings on Steam, Epic, GOG, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo. Turn on 2FA using an authenticator app rather than SMS if possible. This prevents unauthorized access even if your password is stolen.
2. Use a password manager and unique passwords. Create a strong, unique password for each store account. Store them in a password manager like Bitwarden or KeePass. Never reuse passwords across sites—if one store gets breached, your other accounts stay safe.
3. Keep your email account secure. Your email is the key to resetting passwords. Enable 2FA on your email provider, use a strong password, and consider a separate email address exclusively for gaming accounts.
4. Document your purchases. For each store, export your game list or take screenshots of your library. Keep receipts in a folder (digital or physical). This helps if you need to prove ownership to support.
5. Download and back up DRM-free games. For games from GOG, itch.io, or Humble Bundle (when DRM-free), download the offline installers and store them on an external drive and cloud storage. These games will work even if the store disappears.
6. Back up game saves and configs. Use cloud saves when available, but also manually copy save files to your external drive. For Steam, use the “Backup Game Files” feature or copy the game folder. For other platforms, locate the save folder (usually in Documents or AppData) and copy it.
7. Use a game library manager. Tools like Playnite or GOG Galaxy can aggregate your games from multiple stores into one library, making it easier to track what you own and to export lists.
8. Purchase DRM-free when possible. Prefer GOG or itch.io for games you care about. They offer installers without DRM, so you can keep them forever. When buying on Steam, check if the game has a DRM-free version elsewhere.
9. Understand delisting risks. Games can be delisted due to licensing (music, cars, etc.) or publisher decisions. If a game is delisted, you usually keep it in your library, but you can’t buy it again. Download it before it disappears if you think you’ll replay it.
10. Keep your platform apps updated. Broken DRM often comes from outdated clients. Update Steam, Epic, GOG Galaxy, and console firmware regularly. If a game fails to launch, try verifying game files first.
11. Consider offline modes. Steam, GOG, and Epic have offline modes. Test them before you need them. For Steam, go to Steam > Settings > Account and check “Don’t save account credentials on this computer” if you share the PC. Then, when you lose internet, you can still play single-player games.
12. Regularly check your account activity. Review login history and active sessions. Revoke any unknown sessions. This catches unauthorized access early.

Common Mistakes

• Not enabling 2FA—the most common cause of account loss. SMS 2FA is better than nothing, but app-based is more secure.
• Ignoring delisting notices. When a game is about to be delisted, stores often announce it. If you don’t act, you may lose the chance to buy it (though you keep it if you already own it).
• Relying solely on cloud saves. Cloud saves can be lost if the service shuts down or your account is banned. Always have a local backup.
• Using the same password everywhere. If one site leaks, attackers try that password on Steam, Epic, etc.
• Not testing offline mode. You assume it works until you’re on a plane with no Wi-Fi and the game won’t start.
• Storing installers only on the internal drive. If your PC crashes, you lose everything. Use an external drive and cloud.

Tips

• Use a dedicated email for gaming. This reduces phishing risk and makes it easier to spot suspicious activity.
• Take screenshots of your library annually. It’s a low-effort way to have a record.
• For Steam, use the “Export Game List” feature. It creates a CSV file you can store.
• For GOG, use GOG Galaxy’s “Export” feature. It backs up your library list and installers.
• If a game is delisted and you own it, download it immediately. You can reinstall later, but if the servers go down, you’ll be stuck.
• Consider a NAS (network-attached storage) for large backups. But an external drive is simpler for most people.

Troubleshooting

Game won’t launch due to DRM (e.g., Denuvo, SecuROM): First, verify game files (Steam: right-click > Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity). Update your graphics drivers and Windows. If it’s an old DRM, try running in compatibility mode (right-click > Properties > Compatibility > Windows 7). If that fails, search the game’s forum for known fixes. For disc-based DRM, you may need a no-CD crack—but that’s legally gray, so consider buying a DRM-free version instead.

Account locked or banned: Contact support immediately. Provide proof of purchase (receipts, order numbers). If you have 2FA codes, keep them. If you used a password manager, you can show the account creation date. Avoid arguing; be polite and factual.

Store shuts down (e.g., GFWL, OnLive): If a store closes, they usually offer a period to download your games. Act fast. For DRM-free games, you already have backups. For DRM games, you may be out of luck—this is why buying DRM-free is better.

Game delisted but still in library: You can usually still download and play it. If not, contact support. If the delisting was due to a license expiration, the game may be removed from your library entirely—this has happened with some racing games. In that case, you may be offered a refund or a replacement. Keep your receipts.

Cloud saves lost: Check the local save folder—many games keep a local copy. For Steam, check in the game’s installation folder under “userdata”. If you have backups, restore from there. If not, you may have to start over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I lose my Steam games if Valve goes bankrupt?
Steam has an offline mode, but if Valve shuts down, DRM would likely prevent new installs. However, many Steam games have DRM-free versions elsewhere. Valve has stated they would remove DRM if the service ended, but that’s not guaranteed. Backing up installers is the only safe bet.

Q: What does “delisted” mean exactly?
It means the game is no longer available for purchase on the store, but if you already own it, you can still download and play it (usually). Delisting happens due to music licenses, expired contracts, or publisher decisions.

Q: Is it legal to back up my games?
Yes, for personal use. Downloading installers from the store is legal. Making copies of DRM-free games is fine. Cracking DRM is illegal in most places, even for personal backup, so avoid that.

Q: How do I know if a game is DRM-free?
On GOG, all games are DRM-free. On Steam, look for the DRM notice on the store page (often “3rd-party DRM” or “Denuvo”). If it’s not mentioned, it’s likely DRM-free, but not always. Check the game’s forum.

Q: What if I lose my 2FA codes?
Most platforms give you backup codes when you set up 2FA. Store those in your password manager. If you lose them, you may have to go through account recovery, which can take days. That’s why you should keep them safe.

Q: Can I transfer my games to another person if I die?
Most EULAs prohibit transferring accounts. Steam has a family sharing feature, but it’s not a full transfer. In practice, you can share your account with family, but it violates the terms. There’s no easy way to pass on your library.

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