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 the introduction of a new Digital Rights Management (DRM) system for newly purchased digital PlayStation games, clarifying confusion that emerged following recent PS4 and PS5 system updates. The company stated that “a one-time online check is required after purchase to confirm the game’s license, after which no further check-ins are needed.”

Confusion arose when reports surfaced that new digital game purchases displayed a 30-day timer without explanation, prompting widespread concern that players would lose access to their games if their console remained offline for more than a month. This sparked criticism from prominent gaming figures, including YouTuber Lance McDonald and the game preservation organization Does it Play?, who raised alarms about the DRM requirement on social media.

Sony’s clarification attempts to address these concerns by explaining that the 30-day timer relates only to the initial one-time license verification after purchase, not an ongoing requirement. Players can continue to access and play their purchased games as usual once this verification is complete, with no need for periodic reconnections.

The new DRM policy applies to games purchased on or after March 2026. However, Sony’s statement notably did not address broader concerns raised about the policy, including technical issues some users referenced.

The incident has reignited discussions about digital game ownership and consumer rights. Industry observers note that the clarification underscores how players lack true ownership of digital games compared to physical copies—they maintain only a license to play contingent on the platform holder’s terms and the continued operation of their servers. This highlights the ongoing tension between consumer expectations and corporate digital rights protections in the video game industry.

Sources

• 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 clarifies confusion around DRM game licenses on PlayStation
• Sony confirms DRM policy on PS4 and PS5 is a “one-time check”
• PlayStation DRM scare exposes how we don’t truly own our PS4 and PS5 games
• PlayStation now requires a ‘one-time online check’ to confirm you own a game
• PlayStation finally explains 30-day timer for digital games, says it’s only a one-time check