DRM
Ongoing coverage on DRM.
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Sony confirms DRM policy on PS4 and PS5 is a "one-time check"
Sony has clarified that the Digital Rights Management (DRM) check for newly purchased digital games on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 is a one-time requirement after purchase. This addresses concerns that players might lose access to their games if a console remained offline for an extended period. The clarification follows reports of a 30-day timer that had caused user apprehension.
STAR WARS: Galactic Racer releases October 6
STAR WARS: Galactic Racer is set to launch on October 6th, with pre-purchases now available. The game features a singleplayer campaign with customizable vehicles and online multiplayer races. It will include Denuvo Anti-Tamper protection on Steam, and is recommended to be played with a controller.
Sony finally clarifies PlayStation DRM situation that set alarm bells ringing after users noticed new PS5 and PS4 digital games come with 30-day lockout timers
Sony has clarified its Digital Rights Management (DRM) policy for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 digital games, addressing user concerns about new 30-day lockout timers. A Sony representative stated that while an initial one-time online check is required to confirm a game's license, no further online checks will be necessary after that, allowing players to access their purchased games as usual.
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.
PS5’s latest DRM fiasco appears to be not as bad as first thought, but some official communication from Sony would be great
PlayStation 5 players recently discovered new Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions that suggested a need for internet connection every 30 days to access digital games. While initially causing concern, investigations suggest this change may be a temporary measure to combat refund scams, though official communication from Sony is still lacking. The article highlights player frustration with the lack of transparency surrounding DRM policies.
Sony’s 30-Day License Controversy Shows the Real Problem With Digital Gaming | Invision Game Community
A reported PlayStation 5 license issue requiring a 30-day online check-in has sparked controversy regarding Sony's digital ownership policies and DRM practices. This situation highlights player concerns about losing access to purchased games if consoles remain offline for extended periods, raising questions about the true nature of digital ownership in an increasingly digital-only gaming landscape.
Denuvo DRM reportedly fully cracked open, 2K apparently fights back with online checks
Denuvo DRM, a widely criticized anti-piracy technology, has reportedly been fully cracked, impacting numerous games. In response, publisher 2K Games has implemented a new DRM measure requiring online checks every 14 days for titles like NBA 2K25, NBA 2K26, and Marvel's Midnight Suns, which may inconvenience legitimate players.
Sony May Have Added An Unwelcome DRM Check to PS4 and PS5 Titles – Rumor
A rumor suggests Sony has implemented a new Digital Rights Management (DRM) check for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 titles purchased after March 2026. This new system reportedly requires users to connect to the internet at least once every thirty days to verify game licenses, impacting offline playability. The reason for this change and its potential impact on game preservation remains unclear, as Sony has not yet provided an official statement.
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.
Issues and Activism
Denuvo, a digital rights management (DRM) software used to protect PC games, has reportedly been cracked or bypassed. This development means that games previously secured by Denuvo can now be accessed without the intended restrictions.
Morning Consolidation
Confusion has erupted regarding PlayStation's Digital Rights Management (DRM) policies. Additionally, the demo for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is now available for the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox platforms.
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.
Sony’s new PlayStation DRM requirements have the UK’s Green Party against them
Sony has implemented a new Digital Rights Management (DRM) policy requiring PlayStation consoles to log in every 30 days to maintain game licenses for titles purchased after March 2026. This move has drawn criticism from consumer rights advocates and the UK's Green Party, drawing comparisons to a similar controversial DRM policy by Xbox in 2013.
We disassembled a PS4 to test if PlayStation digital games use a 30-day DRM check
An investigation into PlayStation's digital game DRM revealed that newer purchases on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 require online license validation to remain playable offline. While older titles remained accessible, newer games like Dragon Ball FighterZ and Mortal Kombat XL became unplayable after removing the console's CMOS battery and disconnecting from the internet. Sony has not officially confirmed a 30-day DRM policy.
'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.
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.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer got rid of Denuvo before the game even launched, and I hope more publishers take note of the outpouring of support
Star Wars: Galactic Racer has removed the Denuvo DRM before its launch, a move praised by players and seen as an inspiration for other publishers. This decision is likely due to recent Denuvo cracks and aims to improve game performance and player experience. The article advocates for publishers to drop aggressive DRMs that negatively impact paying customers.
PS5, PS4 Game Expiry DRM Concerns Escalate as Sony Remains Silent on Issue
Concerns have escalated among PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 owners regarding a potential Digital Rights Management (DRM) issue where newly purchased PS4 games may expire after 30 days if not verified online. Sony has remained silent on the matter, leaving uncertainty whether this is an intentional DRM implementation or an unintended bug. The issue raises significant questions about game preservation should Sony's servers eventually be taken offline.
PS5 Game Expiry DRM Potentially Explained, Sony Still Yet to Comment
Concerns have arisen regarding a potential new DRM policy by Sony that appears to impose a 30-day expiry on newly purchased digital games for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. While Sony has not officially commented, theories suggest this is a temporary measure to combat refund fraud, requiring a PSN connection within 14 days of purchase to make the license permanent. The issue has raised significant worries about long-term game preservation.
PS5 Confirmed to Be Affected by Game Expiry Issue, Sony Support Sends Mixed Messages on DRM
Sony is reportedly implementing a new DRM policy that requires PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles to connect to the internet every 30 days to verify game licenses. This issue appears to affect newly purchased digital and physical games, raising significant concerns about game preservation should Sony's servers ever be taken offline. Customer support responses have been mixed, with some suggesting the 30-day check-in is intentional following a March 2026 update, while others offer less conclusive information.