Digital Rights Management
Ongoing coverage on Digital Rights Management.
Latest coverage
Buffs, Nerfs, and Bugs
Square Enix has removed the Denuvo digital rights management software from the PC version of Octopath Traveler. This change was noted by DSOGaming and may impact how players access or run the game.
Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
Exemptions for age-checking laws in operating systems could create significant problems for Linux and open-source software. While intended to protect users, these laws may lead to services and applications blocking Linux users entirely due to implementation hurdles and the fragmented nature of the Linux desktop. This adds to existing issues like DRM and anti-cheat compatibility, potentially hindering user adoption.
Memorial Day Metaverse
CBS is reportedly taking steps to prevent unauthorized uploads of Stephen Colbert's post-Late Show content on YouTube. The article also briefly mentions a separate piece about 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' winning in the realm of OnlyFans content.
'The Most Important Thing Is People Can Play at Launch': Gothic PS5 Remake Misses the Mark with Mandated Download
Early physical copies of the PlayStation 5 remake of Gothic 1 require a mandatory day one download of around 5GB to be playable offline, despite the packaging not indicating this. Developer Alkimia Interactive stated the download ensures players can experience the game at launch, but concerns have been raised about game preservation and the implications of requiring updates for offline play.
Arc Raiders has begun its rollout of Denuvo anti-cheat software, minus the DRM
Embark Studios has begun implementing Denuvo's anti-cheat software in Arc Raiders, starting with a limited player pool on May 19. The developer is opting out of Denuvo's DRM component to prioritize game performance and user experience, despite recent cheating allegations following the Riven Tides update.
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight cracked within hours, as its Denuvo DRM bypassed soon after launch
The Denuvo DRM protection for Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight was bypassed mere hours after the game's Deluxe edition launched. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle between game publishers and pirates, with Denuvo's effectiveness in delaying cracks diminishing significantly.
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight cracked within hours, as its Denuvo DRM bypassed soon after launch
The Denuvo DRM protection for Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight was bypassed mere hours after the game's launch, continuing a trend of increasingly rapid cracks. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle between anti-piracy measures and crackers, with Denuvo's effectiveness being questioned as it fails to even delay piracy beyond the initial release window.
"Sony please stop hitting yourself," former Xbox exec says after latest DRM controversy
Former Xbox executive Laura Fryer criticizes Sony's recent decisions, including a controversial DRM policy for digital games and the initial PSN requirement for Helldivers 2 on PC. Fryer argues these actions damage player trust, which is difficult to earn and easy to lose, urging Sony to return to its previous stance of supporting players.
Issues and Activism
Warner Bros. Games has added Denuvo's digital rights management software to LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight shortly before its launch. This decision has sparked discussion among players regarding game security and potential performance impacts.
Things go from bad to worse for Denuvo, as every game under its protection has now reportedly been bypassed
Denuvo's digital rights management protection has reportedly been bypassed on all games, including VR titles, following the widespread adoption of a Hypervisor exploit. This marks a significant setback for Denuvo and its parent company Irdeto, potentially impacting publisher confidence and prompting discussions about the future of DRM and the rise of cloud gaming.
Sony Releases Statement About New PlayStation DRM Changes
Sony Interactive Entertainment has released a statement addressing player concerns about new Digital Rights Management (DRM) changes on PlayStation. A one-time online license check will be required for digital games, but players can otherwise access their libraries as usual. Additionally, Sony will implement age verification later this year for communication features to ensure age-appropriate experiences.
GameMaker says AI coding is inevitable, Sony clarifies DRM confusion, and how video games are helping Rikers inmates - Patch Notes #50
This week's Patch Notes covers several key industry developments, including GameMaker's integration of AI coding assistance, Sony's clarification on PlayStation DRM updates, and the use of video games for inmate rehabilitation at Rikers. The article also touches on Ustwo CEO Maria Sayans' comments regarding job security, the closure of Spiders studio, and changes to GitHub Copilot's billing model.
Games Inbox: What is Rockstar’s best video game?
Readers discuss Rockstar Games' best title, with Red Dead Redemption 2 being a strong contender, though some hope Grand Theft Auto 6 will surpass it. The discussion also touches on the merits of remakes, the direction of video game movies like Resident Evil, and the future of Xbox consoles amidst declining sales.
New PlayStation DRM Only Requires One Online Check-in, Sony Says
Sony has clarified its digital rights management (DRM) policy for PlayStation games, stating that only a one-time online check-in is required after purchase. This refutes rumors suggesting a need for check-ins every 30 days to continue playing games. The clarification aims to address player concerns about game accessibility and potential licensing issues.
Sony Addresses PS Store Games License Issue Amid Backlash
Sony has confirmed a mandatory one-time online license check for all games purchased from the PlayStation Store, impacting titles on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. This change, implemented without prior announcement, has caused significant backlash among consumers concerned about future access to their digital libraries. Sony stated that after the initial check, no further online verification will be required for purchased content.
Sony confirms it's added "one-time" DRM to digital PlayStation games requiring you to go online to avoid losing access, but doesn't comment on "CBOMB" issue
Sony has confirmed a new one-time online DRM check for newly purchased PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 digital games to verify licenses. While this aims to prevent refund exploits, the company has not addressed concerns about the 'CBOMB' issue, which could prevent access to games if a console's CMOS battery fails, potentially impacting long-term game preservation.
Sony clarifies ongoing PlayStation DRM issue, confirms digital games require a 'one-time online check' to authenticate licenses, but players won't experience any issues beyond that
Sony Interactive Entertainment has clarified its digital game licensing policy, confirming that a one-time online check is required to authenticate licenses for newly purchased PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 games. Players will not need constant internet access after this initial validation, alleviating concerns about potential DRM issues.
PS5 DRM system isn't online only as Sony finally explains how it works
Sony has clarified its new Digital Rights Management (DRM) system for the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, stating that it does not require constant online checks for purchased digital games. A one-time online verification is needed to confirm the game's license, after which games can be accessed offline. This explanation aims to alleviate concerns about digital ownership and accessibility that arose from initial misinterpretations.
PlayStation addresses DRM concerns
PlayStation has clarified its Digital Rights Management (DRM) policy, stating that purchased digital games will require a one-time online check to confirm the license, after which no further checks are needed. This addresses concerns that games might become unplayable after a set period, a policy that caused significant backlash for Xbox in 2013. The clarification aims to prevent exploitation of refund systems while assuring players they can continue to access their games.
Sony Clears Up PlayStation DRM Drama With One-Time Check Promise | HappyGamer
Sony Interactive Entertainment has clarified its Digital Rights Management (DRM) policy for PlayStation games, stating that purchased titles will only require a one-time online check to ensure continued offline play. This announcement aims to alleviate community concerns about always-online requirements and potential interruptions to single-player experiences. The company's approach is seen as a compromise between piracy prevention and player convenience, potentially influencing future industry standards for DRM.
