PS5 DRM system isn’t online only as Sony finally explains how it works

Sony still hasn’t said what its new DRM system is for but they seem to have convinced most fans that it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

For days now, PlayStation owners have been worried after it was discovered that both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 had been updated with a new form of DRM (digital rights management) that seems to require constant online checks.

Without any acknowledgement from Sony, people were left to come to their own conclusions, and it was widely assumed that the new DRM meant newly purchased digital games required regular online check-ins every 30 days. Otherwise, they’d become inaccessible.

Naturally, this was not received well, reigniting discussions about digital ownership, but Sony has finally commented on the matter and, as it turns out, that’s not how the new DRM works at all.

In a statement provided to Game File, a Sony spokesperson explains that digital games do require an online check-in to verify the licence (which is what you’re actually paying for when you buy games digitally), but it only does this the once.

‘Players can continue to access and play their purchased games as usual. A one-time online check is required to confirm the game’s license, after which no further check-ins are required,’ says the spokesperson.

While this does mean an internet connection is still required, you need one to access the PlayStation store anyway. After that, any games you bought will remain accessible even in the event you lose your internet connection.

So, despite the unflattering comparisons, this isn’t as heinous as the Xbox One’s infamous online requirements, which demanded you connect to the internet once a day even to play games offline.

This move was so unpopular that Microsoft backtracked on it, but the damage had already been done and the console’s reputation and sales performance suffered.

Even so, it’s shocking Sony would take this long to issue any sort of response when misassumptions, doom-mongering, and general online backlash about the DRM began flying around as early as last weekend. But unfortunately that lack of communication has become the norm for Sony this generation.

It also doesn’t change the fact that nobody technically owns their digital games and those licences can still be easily revoked, but that’s been a contentious issue for years now.

In 2023, Sony announced it would be deleting movies and TV shows people had bought through the PlayStation store and although the ensuing backlash did lead to a U-turn, it demonstrated just how easily you can lose access to your own digital purchases.

While Sony hasn’t issued an explanation for why this new DRM has been implemented, it has been suggested that it’s a means of combatting piracy and refund scams, as well as jailbreak exploits such as the Star Wars Racer Revenge example from earlier this year.

Responses from PlayStation owners on Reddit appear positive, with FitNectarine5779 calling Sony’s new DRM measures ‘pretty decent’ in the grand scheme of things.

‘Wait. You’re telling me that a bunch of people on the internet misinterpreted something and then massively overreacted? I, for one, am shocked,’ says a sarcastic _nedyah.

‘Was always a non-issue, I saw people saying they are selling their PlayStation 5 and quitting PlayStation Plus when they had zero idea what was actually happening,’ claims Kingtripz.

These feelings aren’t universal, though. A quick glance at comments on X shows plenty of people don’t care for any sort of online verification for their games.

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