A fresh DRM update on PlayStation is raising concerns among players. Recent reports indicate that certain digital games on Sony’s PlayStation consoles might need an internet connection every 30 days to stay playable. This means Sony could temporarily restrict access to games you’ve purchased if the console fails to confirm your license.
What’s Actually Going On
Sony / SonyThe problem seems to impact some newer digital releases, with players spotting a “timer” linked to license checks. If the console remains disconnected for too long, games might not open until a new online verification is done. Online tests show that reconnecting to the internet restores access, indicating this is a license verification process rather than a permanent block.
However, the details are somewhat unclear. It’s uncertain whether this is a planned DRM policy or a bug from recent firmware updates. PlayStation support confirmed the DRM checks, while Sony hasn’t officially explained the situation yet.
Gamers Are Reacting Strongly
As anticipated, the online response has been fierce. In Reddit threads about the issue, many users are comparing it to “always-online DRM,” a system that has faced criticism for limiting access to paid content. Many have labeled it “anti-consumer,” while others are worried about long-term game preservation and reliance on servers.
“So I don’t actually own my games anymore?” or “What happens when servers go down years later?” are the kinds of questions appearing across online forums, X, and Reddit. DRM systems requiring online validation aren’t new and have always been debated. Systems like always-online DRM have been criticized for blocking players from their own purchases if servers fail or connections drop.
Currently, it’s unknown how widespread the issue is or if Sony plans to fix it. But if this is a deliberate change, it could change how PlayStation handles digital ownership in the future.