The difference between used games and new copies that include free downloadable content will be a bit clearer to many customers at used game giant Gamestop. That's because of a class-action settlement that is forcing the retailer to post warnings about those differences in its California stores and on its website for the next two years.

According to the lawsuit, Gamestop misled many consumers by displaying game packaging that claimed DLC was available for free with purchase, even though used copies required an additional fee of up to $15 for that content. Attorneys at law firm Baron and Budd alleged that Gamestop used this confusion to inflate the prices of used games at their stores, often to levels only $5 less than their new counterparts.

In announcing the settlement, Baron and Budd argued that the victory will help even knowledgeable used game consumers by forcing Gamestop to lower the price on used titles missing downloadable content. The firm even claims that "GameStop lowered prices for used copies of many of the game titles identified in the lawsuit," though we think that just as likely has to do with rapidly declining demand for those games as any legal threat.

Customers in California who purchased select games from Gamestop will be able to receive $15 in Gamestop coupons and checks as part of the settlement. The law firm says it's also busy "investigating similar GameStop practices in other states" and encourages anyone else who has had a problem with Gamestop's used game sales tactics to get in touch.