PlayStation's new DRM requires online check every 30 days for digital games

PlayStation has introduced a new Digital Rights Management (DRM) system requiring all newly purchased digital games to connect online every 30 days for license verification, according to reports by Video Games Chronicle. The change affects both PS4 and PS5 digital purchases made since mid-April and raises significant concerns about game preservation and offline accessibility.

What is the PlayStation 30-day DRM check?

According to testing by YouTube channels Modded Warfare and Spawn Wave, digital games purchased after mid-April now include a 30-day validation timer. Players who tested their PlayStation consoles report that newly bought games become unplayable if the console remains offline for more than 30 days, requiring an internet connection to reset the timer.

The system works differently on each console. PS4 users can view the timer countdown in a game's information section, showing Valid Period (Start), Valid Period (End), and Remaining Time. PS5 users cannot see the timer but receive error messages when attempting to play expired games offline.

Previously purchased digital games remain unaffected. Testing confirms that existing game libraries continue working normally without any online verification requirements.

How does the new DRM system work?

YouTuber Spawn Wave demonstrated the DRM by removing his PS5's CMOS battery, which runs the internal clock. This simulated the 30-day timer expiring. His previously owned digital copy of Crimson Desert and physical disc games continued working normally. However, newly purchased digital games displayed the error: 'Can't use this content. Can't connect to the server to verify your license.'

The verification system appears tied to PlayStation's update 13.20 for PS5 consoles. According to Modded Warfare, 'Generally, we cannot reply on these digital games being used as entry points to trigger kernel exploits because once you put your console offline for over 30 days, it will then require a connection to PSN to allow you to run that game.'

This suggests Sony may have implemented the DRM to prevent console jailbreaking, as certain digital games like Star Wars: Racer Revenge have been used to exploit PlayStation hardware.

What this means for PlayStation gamers

The immediate impact affects players with inconsistent internet access or those who prefer offline gaming. While most players won't notice the change during regular use, it creates barriers for users in remote areas or during internet outages.

Long-term implications are more concerning. If Sony eventually shuts down PlayStation servers, the DRM could render affected games permanently unplayable once console CMOS batteries fail. This echoes the 'CBOMB' issue from 2021, when dead CMOS batteries prevented game access on older PlayStation consoles.

According to preservation group Does it Play: 'Sony essentially has to fix the current DRM issue as it basically rearmed the CBOMB for new purchases.' Sony previously addressed the CBOMB through a 2021 firmware update for PS4 systems.

Sony's response and industry context

Sony has not officially confirmed whether the DRM implementation is intentional or accidental. Some PlayStation support chatbots have reportedly acknowledged the change, but no formal company statement exists. Video Games Chronicle contacted Sony for comment but has not received a response.

The timing coincides with broader industry discussions about digital game ownership and preservation. As platforms end support for older consoles, questions about long-term game access become increasingly relevant.

Reports suggest Xbox may have implemented similar DRM measures, though this remains unconfirmed. The gaming preservation community continues monitoring these developments closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new PlayStation DRM check?

PlayStation now requires newly purchased digital games to connect online every 30 days for license verification. If a console stays offline longer than 30 days, affected games become unplayable until reconnected.

Does this affect all my digital PlayStation games?

No, only games purchased after mid-April 2024 are affected. All previously owned digital games continue working normally without any verification requirements.

What happens if I don't connect my PlayStation online for 30 days?

New digital games will display an error message and become unplayable until your console connects to the internet to perform license validation and reset the 30-day timer.

Is this related to the CBOMB issue?

Yes, gaming preservation experts worry this reintroduces similar long-term risks. If PlayStation servers shut down in the future and console CMOS batteries fail, affected games could become permanently unplayable.

Has Sony officially confirmed this change?

No, Sony has not issued an official statement confirming whether the DRM implementation is intentional or will be addressed in future updates.

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