Digital Rights Management
Ongoing coverage on Digital Rights Management.
Latest coverage
Xbox service is down, with outages meaning players can't play any digital or physical games, after similar PlayStation Network issues last week
Xbox's online services are experiencing a major outage, preventing players from accessing digital and physical games, as well as signing in and viewing the store. This follows similar issues with the PlayStation Network last week, highlighting concerns about the reliance on digital ownership and DRM in the current gaming landscape.
Pair of PlayStation 4 Games Might Be Removed From Player Libraries
PlayStation 4 adventure games Creepy Tale 1 and 2 may be removed from players' libraries due to a dispute between developer Creepy Brothers and publisher No Gravity Games. The publisher allegedly failed to pay royalties, leading to the games being delisted from the Xbox Store and potentially soon from the PlayStation Store. Players who have the games installed can still access them.
Halo: Campaign Evolved’s Physical Version Will Require Download, Account Login – Rumor
A rumor suggests that the physical version of Halo: Campaign Evolved will require a substantial download and an account login to play, even on PlayStation 5. This indicates that the included disc may contain less than half of the game's total files, with a significant update and online connectivity necessary for initial access. This situation draws parallels to criticism faced by Rockstar Games for Grand Theft Auto 6's lack of a physical disc.
As Sony prepares to end game disc production, GOG jumps up to remind PC gamers that you can just make your own
GOG is reminding PC gamers that they can create their own physical backups of purchased games, especially in light of Sony's decision to end game disc production in 2028. The company highlights its DRM-free installers as a way to ensure long-term access to owned titles, suggesting users can burn them to discs or save them to other media for permanent safekeeping.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Was Unplayable on PC Last Weekend Due to Ubisoft Connect Outage
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag's PC version experienced an outage due to Ubisoft Connect, locking players out for nearly an hour. This issue occurred despite the game's recent remake and its reliance on a one-time DRM check for offline play. Ubisoft has not yet commented on the incident or potential long-term solutions.
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is blocked in 132 countries due to Sony's controversial PSN linking requirement – but its Steam page is still visible
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is unavailable in 132 countries due to Sony's mandatory PlayStation Network linking requirement, similar to Helldivers 2. Despite the block, the game's Steam page remains accessible and purchasable in some of these regions, causing confusion among players. The fighting game, developed by Arc System Works, is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and PC.
PlayStation once again pulls purchased StudioCanal content from user libraries because of "licensing arrangements"
PlayStation is removing previously purchased StudioCanal movies from user libraries starting September 1, 2026, due to evolving content licensing arrangements. This follows similar removals of StudioCanal content in 2022 and Discovery TV shows in 2023. Sony has not announced any compensation or refunds for affected users, who are being directed to a list of affected titles on PlayStation's website.
PlayStation is pulling "previously purchased" digital movies from users' libraries
Sony is removing hundreds of previously purchased digital movies from users' PlayStation libraries starting September 1, 2026, due to content licensing arrangements. This includes Studio Canal titles like 'Terminator 2' and 'Total Recall', which will no longer be accessible. The move highlights the risks associated with digital purchases, as terms and conditions often allow for content removal.
Games Workshop Removes Certain Tabletop Simulator Materials from Steam
Games Workshop has issued DMCA takedown notices for fan-made mods on Steam's Tabletop Simulator, removing popular Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer: Age of Sigmar community content. This action, consistent with Games Workshop's strict intellectual property enforcement, has drawn criticism from the community, particularly as a new edition of Warhammer 40,000 is released.
PlayStation Removing Purchased Content From Your Library Again
Sony Interactive Entertainment is again removing purchased content from PlayStation libraries, this time affecting Studio Canal titles for UK users on September 1, 2026, due to licensing agreements. This follows previous removals of Discovery content and earlier instances in 2022 for some European countries. PlayStation discontinued movie and TV purchases in August 2021 but allows purchases via Sony Pictures Core.
The Grand Theft Auto 6 physical edition is overpriced DRM in a box
This article discusses the perceived high price and value of the physical edition of Grand Theft Auto 6. It argues that the $80 price point is not justified and questions the necessity of a physical release with potential DRM concerns.
GTA 6’s Physical Edition Not Including a Disc Is About Control and Secrecy
The decision to release Grand Theft Auto 6's physical edition without a disc is attributed to Rockstar Games' desire for greater control and secrecy over the product. This move highlights a growing trend in game distribution, potentially impacting how physical media is perceived and utilized.
Game Preservation Matters: Why Classic Games Are Disappearing | TAG
A significant portion of classic video games, estimated at 87% released before 2010, are no longer commercially available due to delisting and lack of preservation efforts. The US Copyright Office's denial of a petition for remote access for researchers highlights a systemic issue, with the industry lobbying group ESA actively opposing preservation. Organizations like the Video Game History Foundation and GOG are working to combat this cultural catastrophe, advocating for legal reform and offering DRM-free options.
The Outer Worlds Upgrade Confusion Addressed by Microsoft
Microsoft, the owner of Obsidian Entertainment, has clarified the upgrade path for The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition following player confusion. The free upgrade was intended as a thank you to original game purchasers, but platform limitations on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have caused issues, requiring players to own both DLCs for eligibility. Support is available for affected players.
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 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.
