PlayStation Addresses DRM Drama Which Isn't As Bad As You Think

PlayStation has officially addressed the DRM controversy in a new statement and it’s not as bad as you initially thought.

For the past few days Playstation 5 owners have been panicking over a new DRM system that would require users to connect their console to the internet every 30 days.

If this wasn’t done you’d be unable to play your games offline as your license to own said games would be invalid.

As you’d expect no one took this well and PlayStation received an onslaught of questions and queries asking if this was actually the case or some sort of mistake. Many even compared the situation to the early days of the Xbox One which was slated for a similar system.

Now PlayStation has finally addressed the concerns in a new statement provided to Gamespot.

PlayStation’s DRM Response

The response to Gamespot set all of our minds at ease as PlayStation essentially said the whole thing was blown out of proportion.

A new DRM system is still being implemented but it’ll only affect your digital games if you’re doing something nefarious.

The statement read: "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."

But why has PlayStation introduced this change? It’s because some gamers were taking advantage of the previous system to get new PlayStation games for free, and here’s how.

Sony

Basically with a hacked PlayStation 5 console you could purchase a new game and rip the license file from it, which is what allows you to play the game in the first place.

Once some users had the license file they’d then switch their console to offline mode and request a refund from Sony for the game they purchased. Sony’s refund policy states that the game cannot be downloaded to the system or cloud-streamed prior to the refund for it to be valid, which in this case it wouldn’t be.

The hacked PlayStation 5 could then be used to play said game in offline mode, thanks to the license file, despite getting a successful refund.

You can understand why Sony would be bothered by this and want a new DRM system put in place to prevent it.

How Does The New DRM System Work?

The system gives users a temporary licence for their newly purchased games which is then turned into a permanent license after 30 days.

This is a one-time check intended for after the refund window expires so hacked console owners can’t use the above tactic to get free games.

While it’s still a hassle to have your license checked at all it’s at least not as bad as everyone initially believed. Once you’ve had your 30 day check your game is yours to keep, no questions asked.

That said it's probably still worth buying your games physically if you can...

READ MORE: PlayStation Plus Announces Latest Wave Of Free Games For May 2026