A Surprise PlayStation DRM Issue Is Worrying Fans
Kotaku • • technology
Key Points:
- Recent reports claim Sony introduced a new DRM on PS4 and PS5 that requires online validation of digital purchases every 30 days, starting with games bought from March onwards.
- The primary evidence comes from a video by Modded Hardware and posts by Lance McDonald and DoesItPlay, who replicated the issue, showing digital games now display expiry dates under firmware 13.50.
- An anonymous insider told DoesItPlay the DRM behavior might be an unintentional bug caused by Sony fixing an exploit, with no official statement yet from Sony.
- There is no confirmed evidence that games become unplayable after 30 days offline, suggesting the issue could be a confusing UI bug rather than intentional DRM enforcement.
- Fans are concerned about potential future restrictions on digital game ownership, reflecting broader worries about the shift toward always-online gaming; Sony has been contacted for comment.
