Sony has begun applying a new Digital Rights Management (DRM) system on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles, changing the way digital game ownership is verified.
Monthly License Verification

Under this system, digital games purchased after March 2026 will require an internet connection at least once every 30 days.
If the console remains offline for longer than that, the player will lose access to the game until the license is verified again.

How the New System Works
The system initially grants a temporary license, according to the following details:

• The player receives a temporary license for 30 days after purchase
• After 15 days, once connected to the internet, the license becomes permanent
• This conversion happens after the refund period ends (14 days)
• If no connection occurs within 30 days, the game stops working until verification is completed

After verification is completed, the license becomes permanent without the need for any further periodic checks.

Older Games Are Not Affected

Games purchased before this system was applied will not be affected and will continue to work under the previous system without any changes.

Reason for the Change

Sony aims to prevent the exploitation of refund loopholes through this system.
Some users were exploiting the old system by:

• Activating the permanent license
• Requesting a refund
• Keeping the game for free

The new system ensures that the permanent license is only granted after the refund period ends.

Player Concerns
Although the goal is to increase security, the decision has raised several questions among players about:

• The concept of digital game ownership
• The ability to play offline in the long term

A Step Toward Greater Control
This change reflects a growing industry trend toward greater control over digital content.
For players, it is a reminder that owning a digital game does not always mean complete freedom away from an internet connection.