- Sony has confirmed that gamers do not need constant internet access to play digital PlayStation games
- A 30-day license verification countdown has been introduced for new digital games
- A one-time online check is required to validate the game license
Sony has finally responded to the ongoing PlayStation licensing controversy, confirming that a constant internet connection will not be required to play digital games.
Earlier this week, a new ’30-day license check’ was spotted on digitally purchased PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 games, which immediately raised concerns among users. It was initially believed that the system would revoke game licenses if players did not log into their PSN account or connect their console to the internet.
This would apply to digital games purchased after the latest system update in March, and has reportedly not affected previous purchases.
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“Potentially bigger DRM issue rolled out of PlayStation (and Xbox supposedly too). All new PSN purchases now have a 30 day validation countdown. Already investigating to find out more details,” spotted X/Twitter user ‘DoesItPlay’.
However, Sony has now addressed the issue while allaying concerns by confirming that users only need to be connected to the internet and complete a one-time license authorization. Beyond that, no further checks are required.
“Players can continue to access and play their purchased games as normal,” a Sony Interactive Entertainment spokesperson told GameSpot. “A one-time online check-in is required to verify the game’s license, after which no further check-in is required.”
Fortunately, the new system shouldn’t cause too many problems for users, but all PS5 and PS4 digital games purchased from the PS Store going forward will need to be approved once.
It is suspected that the license check is to prevent potential refund fraud, specifically applying for a refund and then immediately disconnecting from the internet to continue playing the game.
In other news, Sony has started rolling out its new PlayStation age verification system in the UK and Ireland as part of the UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA). The process is currently optional but will become mandatory in June 2026.
Those who do not complete age verification will lose access to many PlayStation communication features such as text and voice chat, messaging, Discord voice chat, streaming features and more.
Users should receive an email asking them to complete the age verification steps. If you haven’t received yours yet, check out the official FAQ to get started.
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