Sony has finally clarified the workings of its new DRM system for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, confirming that digital games require only a one-time online check to verify licenses, not constant online verification as initially feared. The announcement comes after days of speculation and backlash from the gaming community.
Sony's Statement on DRM
In a statement provided to Game File, a Sony spokesperson explained: '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.' This means that after the initial verification, players can access their digital games even without an internet connection.
The confusion arose when users discovered that both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 had been updated with a new form of digital rights management. Without official communication, many assumed that the DRM required regular online check-ins every 30 days, similar to the controversial Xbox One policy. However, Sony's clarification shows that this is not the case.
Comparison to Xbox One's Online Requirements
The Xbox One's infamous DRM required users to connect to the internet once a day to play games offline, a policy that was so unpopular that Microsoft eventually reversed it. Sony's system, by contrast, only requires a single online check, making it far less restrictive. However, the delayed response from Sony has drawn criticism, as misinformation and backlash spread over several days before the company issued a statement.
Digital Ownership Concerns Remain
Despite the clarification, concerns about digital ownership persist. In 2023, Sony faced backlash after announcing it would delete purchased movies and TV shows from the PlayStation store, a decision it later reversed. The incident highlighted how easily digital licenses can be revoked, a issue that remains unresolved.
The purpose of the new DRM has not been officially disclosed, but it is speculated to combat piracy, refund scams, and jailbreak exploits, such as the Star Wars Racer Revenge exploit earlier this year.
Community Reaction
Reactions from PlayStation owners on Reddit have been largely positive. User FitNectarine5779 called the measures 'pretty decent,' while _nedyah sarcastically noted, 'Wait. You're telling me that a bunch of people on the internet misinterpreted something and then massively overreacted?' Another user, Kingtripz, claimed it was 'always a non-issue.' However, opinions on X remain divided, with some users still opposed to any form of online verification for games.
Sony's lack of timely communication has been a recurring issue this generation, but the company's latest statement seems to have alleviated most concerns about the DRM system.
