Sony clarifies ongoing PlayStation DRM issue, confirms digital games require
a 'one-time online check' to authenticate licenses, but players won't experience any issues beyond that

Date:
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:27:04 +0000

Description:
Sony has finally responded to the ongoing PlayStation licensing issue, confirming that a constant internet connection won't be required to play digital games.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Sony has confirmed players
won't need constant internet access to play digital PlayStation games A
30-day license verification countdown has been introduced fpr new digital games A one-time online check will be required to validate the game license Sony has finally responded to the ongoing PlayStation license controversy, confirming that a constant internet connection won't 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 , immediately raising
concerns among users. It was initially thought that the system would revoke game licenses if players didn't log in to their PSN account or connect their console to the internet. This would apply to digital games bought after the latest March system update, and reportedly not impact previous purchases. Article continues below You may like 'Please be fake' PlayStation fans panic as Sony seemingly introduces ridiculous new '30-day license check' on digital games PlayStation users are now being asked for age verification in the UK
and Ireland, or risk losing access to communication features when it soon becomes mandatory PSN is down for 'gaming & social' here's what we know so far

"Potential major DRM issue rolled out by PlayStation (and Xbox as well, allegedly). 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 and, at the same time, quelled worries by confirming that users only need to be connected to the internet
and complete a one-time license authentication. Beyond that, no further
checks will be required.

"Players can continue to access and play their purchased games as usual," a Sony Interactive Entertainment spokesperson told GameSpot . "A one-time
online check is required to confirm the game's license, after which no
further check-ins are required."

Thankfully, the new system shouldn't cause too much trouble for users, but
any PS5 and PS4 digital games bought from the PS Store going forward will
need to be authenticated once. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

It's suspected that the license check is to prevent potential refund scams, specifically filing for a refund and then immediately disconnecting from the internet to continue playing the game.

In other news, Sony has begun 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 don't complete age verification will lose access to many
PlayStation communication features like 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, you can check out the official FAQ to get started. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button! The best gaming consoles All the best consoles of this generation

Read our full guide to the best gaming consoles 1. Best overall: PlayStation 5 Slim 2. Best budget: Xbox Series S 3. Best handheld: Nintendo Switch 2 4. Most powerful: PlayStation 5 Pro



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/sony-clarifies-ongoing-playstation-drm-issue- confirms-digital-games-require-a-one-time-online-check-to-authenticate-license s-but-players-wont-experience-any-issues-beyond-that


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