Digital Rights Management
Ongoing coverage on Digital Rights Management.
Latest coverage
Games Inbox: Is buying a video game day one a good idea?
Readers discuss the merits of buying games on day one, weighing instant access and being part of the conversation against the potential for lower prices and sales later. The article also touches on Sony's controversial PS5 DRM policy, the impact of studio closures on franchises like XCOM, and speculation about future game releases and company strategies.
Denuvo dealt major blow as crackers claim all non-VR games with the anti-tamper have been bypassed
Crackers claim to have bypassed Denuvo's anti-tamper software on all non-virtual reality games, dealing a significant blow to the DRM provider. A new 'Hypervisor' bypass method is reportedly responsible for circumventing the protection, leading to games like Capcom's Pragmata being cracked before their official launch. Denuvo's parent company, Irdeto, has stated they are working on updated security measures.
PlayStation triggers game preservation alarm bells as users find new PS5 and PS4 digital purchases have a 30-day lockout timer: "This can screw customers now AND in the future"
Sony has reportedly introduced a 30-day lockout timer for new digital PS5 and PS4 game purchases, requiring users to connect to the internet periodically to verify licenses. This change has sparked significant concern among players and preservation advocates regarding long-term game ownership and accessibility, especially in the event of server shutdowns. While Sony has not officially commented, some reports suggest it may be an intentional 'technical feature' or a result of an exploit fix.
PS5 DRM controversy as fans fear Sony is moving towards online-only gaming
Fans are concerned about a new Digital Rights Management (DRM) system on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 that reportedly requires digital games to check in online every 30 days to maintain their license. While Sony Interactive Entertainment has provided conflicting information, some reports suggest this change could impact the playability of digital purchases if consoles are not connected to the internet regularly. This has reignited debates about digital ownership and the potential for online-only gaming.
Former PlayStation boss says "we did not want to make fun of Xbox" in PS4 game-sharing video that quite…
Former Sony Interactive Entertainment president Shuhei Yoshida stated that the PlayStation 4's game-sharing instructional video was not intended to mock Xbox. He explained it was a response to media and public inquiries about Sony's digital rights management policies following Xbox's E3 2013 presentation. The article also notes recent reports of a 30-day DRM renewal requirement for PlayStation games, drawing parallels to Xbox's original controversial plan.
PlayStation License Checks Confirmed, Requires Forced 'Check Ins' Online Every 30 Days
Sony has implemented a new Digital Rights Management (DRM) policy requiring PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles to connect online every 30 days to verify licenses for digital games. This check is reportedly mandatory for games purchased after a March 2026 system update, with titles becoming unplayable if the console remains offline for longer than the 30-day period. While Sony has not issued a formal statement, customer support interactions and fan reports confirm the intentional nature of this new licensing enforcement.
GameStop Is Trying To Capitalize On PS5's Reported New Online Requirement
GameStop is capitalizing on reports that Sony may implement a 30-day online requirement for digital game licenses on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The retailer is offering discounts on preowned physical games, promoting ownership and offline play as an alternative to Sony's potential new policy. Sony has not officially commented on the reported requirement.
PlayStation’s 30 Day DRM Debate Continues – Sony Still Have Not Issued Statement
A debate continues regarding a potential 30-day DRM policy on PlayStation digital games, requiring online verification for recently purchased PS4 and PS5 titles. Sony has not issued an official statement, leading to user frustration due to conflicting customer support responses and uncertainty about the policy's intentionality or origin.
Controversial PS Store Games Update Confirmed by Sony Support
Sony Support has confirmed a new 30-day license validation period for digital games purchased on the PlayStation Store for PS5 and PS4, effective March 2026. This update means purchased content will become unusable if the console is offline for longer than 30 days, raising concerns about game preservation and accessibility. Sony has not yet officially commented on the controversial change despite player backlash.
'Please be fake' — PlayStation fans panic as Sony seemingly introduces ridiculous new '30-day license check' on digital games
Sony is facing backlash from PlayStation fans over a rumored new '30-day license check' for digital games on PS5 and PS4. This feature, reportedly implemented after a March system update, requires consoles to connect to the internet at least once every 30 days to maintain access to purchased digital titles. While initially speculated to be a bug, user reports and PlayStation support interactions suggest the DRM measure is intentional, drawing comparisons to Microsoft's controversial Xbox One DRM policies from 2013.
Sony's New DRM Quietly Changes How PS5 Digital Games Work | HappyGamer
Sony has implemented a new Digital Rights Management system for recent PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 digital game purchases, requiring an online check-in every 30 days to ensure games can be launched. This change has raised concerns within the gaming community regarding digital ownership, game preservation, and the potential impact on offline play, especially for families with inconsistent internet access.
PlayStation Users Report New Online License Checks For Digital Games
PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 owners are reporting a new online license check for digital games, potentially limiting access after 30 days without an internet connection. It is unclear if this is a bug or an intentional feature, with Sony yet to comment. This issue has drawn comparisons to past DRM controversies in the gaming industry.
'You Can Play Your Purchased Games As Usual': Sony Breaks Silence on PS5, PS4 Game Expiry DRM
Sony has issued a statement addressing concerns about a potential DRM issue affecting PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 digital games, which suggested licenses might expire after 30 days. The company clarified that players can continue to access and play their purchased games as usual, requiring only a one-time online check to confirm the license, after which no further checks are needed. This statement aims to quell fears about game preservation and the long-term playability of digital purchases.
PS4 Game Expiry Timer Sparks DRM Concerns, Here's What We Know So Far
Sony is facing concerns from PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 owners regarding a potential Digital Rights Management (DRM) issue that appears to impose a 30-day expiry timer on newly purchased PS4 games. While Sony has not commented, reports suggest this may be an unintentional bug rather than a deliberate feature, with some users claiming the issue has already been resolved.
Mandatory internet connection is back on consoles as new PlayStation DRM disables your license after 30 days
Sony's new Digital Rights Management (DRM) policy for PlayStation consoles requires players to connect online at least once every 30 days to maintain their game licenses. This affects digital purchases on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, with failure to check in potentially disabling game access. The move has drawn comparisons to Microsoft's past controversial DRM plans for the Xbox One.
Pragmata blasts through a million sales in a day to once again highlight there might be money in this games industry lark
Capcom's new intellectual property, Pragmata, has achieved over one million sales in its first day of release across multiple platforms, including PC and Nintendo Switch. The game's successful launch, bolstered by the inclusion of Denuvo DRM to limit piracy, highlights the potential for new IPs in the current market. The Japanese Nintendo Switch version is slated for release on April 24th.
DOOM Eternal Launches on GOG With DRM Free Offline Play Support and No BethesdaNet Account Requirement
DOOM Eternal is now available on GOG without requiring a Bethesda.net account for offline play, offering a DRM-free experience. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game, Year One Pass expansions, a Demonic Slayer skin, and a classic weapon sound pack. The first-person shooter features fast-paced combat with a variety of weapons and abilities against demonic forces.
Irdeto Fighting Denuvo Crack
Irdeto has responded to reports that its Denuvo copy-protection software has been cracked, leading to instances of zero-day piracy. The company's statement addresses the security breach of its anti-tamper technology.
First 3 Resident Evil Games and Breath of Fire IV Head to Steam With DRM
Capcom has released the PC versions of Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, and Breath of Fire IV on Steam. These versions include Digital Rights Management (DRM) via The Enigma Protector, a feature absent in their previous GOG releases. The games are currently available at a 50% launch discount.
DAMON and BABY Devs Show How Indie Support Should Work
The developers of DAMON and BABY promptly resolved an issue where players could not access the Deluxe Edition's digital artworks and soundtrack on Steam. They provided clear instructions for players to enable the DLC download, demonstrating strong customer support crucial for indie developers. This incident highlights the importance of responsive communication and thorough testing for independent studios.
