Video Game Licensing
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Licensing.
Latest coverage
'The future is now' — PS5 user locked out of Ghost of Yotei due to license verification, and this is why…
A PlayStation 5 user reported being locked out of their digital copy of Ghost of Yotei for an extended period due to license verification issues. This incident highlights concerns about digital ownership and game access, especially in light of Sony's plans to phase out physical game discs by January 2028.
"Mission Impossible is high on my list" – how Paramount plans to use co-dev to exploit its archive, while building its own all-new IP
Paramount has merged its video game divisions into the new Paramount Games Studio, led by EVP Dan Prigg. The studio aims to leverage Paramount's extensive IP archive through co-development and internal projects, targeting PC, console, Roblox, and mobile platforms. While exploiting existing franchises like Mission Impossible and Star Trek is a focus, the studio is also developing original IP, aiming for games to potentially inspire future linear entertainment.
FIFA Is Launching Its Own Video Game to Compete With EA and It’s a Netflix Exclusive
FIFA has partnered with Netflix to launch a new football simulation game in summer 2026, developed by Delphi Interactive. This title will be exclusively available to Netflix subscribers on mobile devices and select smart TVs, marking a departure from traditional console and PC releases. The move comes after FIFA's partnership with Electronic Arts ended, with EA rebranding its football series as EA Sports FC.
Chase FIFA World Cup 2026™ Glory: International Management arrives in FM26
Sports Interactive has released a major update for Football Manager 26 across all platforms, introducing the 'International Management' feature ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. This update includes enhanced squad-building, match preparation training, and for the first time, management of women's national teams. The game also features authentic FIFA World Cup 2026™ broadcast graphics and branding through a new licensing agreement with FIFA.
Indian studio LightFury Games assembles record roster of 600+ licensed cricketers for E-Cricket | Invision
LightFury Games announced that its upcoming cricket simulation game, E-Cricket, will feature over 600 officially licensed international cricketers, a record for the genre. This extensive roster was made possible through a partnership with Winners Alliance. The game, built on Unreal Engine 5 with a mobile-first approach, is scheduled for a 2026 release and aims to provide the most authentic cricket experience possible.
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.
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.
PS5’s New DRM For Digital Copies of Games Need a One-Time Online Check, Says Sony
Sony has clarified its new DRM policy for digital games on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, stating that a one-time online check is required after purchase to grant a perpetual license. This system, which was initially perceived as a 30-day timer, aims to ensure license validation. The article also touches upon Sony's testing of dynamic pricing for digital titles like Stellar Blade and rumors surrounding the PlayStation 6's performance capabilities.
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.
Star Trek: Resurgence isn't going to live long and prosper - it's being delisted from Steam around three years on from release
Star Trek: Resurgence will be delisted from Steam and potentially the Epic Games Store as its distribution license has expired. Developer Dramatic Labs announced the upcoming removal, though no specific date has been given. Existing owners will retain access to the game in their libraries.
