PlayStation DRM Policy Changes
PlayStation implements mandatory online check-ins for digital game licenses, affecting access for users without recent PSN server access.
April 2026
PS4/PS5 digital games require 30-day online check-in
All PS4 and PS5 digital games are subject to a new DRM policy. This policy requires an online check-in every 30 days, or the game license may be removed.
Source ↗PS4 games receive 30-day valid license timer
Newly purchased PS4 games are reportedly subject to a 30-day valid license timer. The change is speculated to be introduced via a March 2026 firmware update.
Source ↗PlayStation requires 30-day online check-in for digital games
A DRM policy was reportedly rolled out for all PS4 and PS5 digital games. This change requires an online check-in every 30 days; failure to connect for this period could lead to license removal.
Source ↗PlayStation institutes 30-day DRM check for digital games
PlayStation reportedly added a 30-day Digital Rights Management (DRM) check for newly purchased digital PS4 and PS5 games. This policy change was noted across community discussions.
Source ↗Sony PS5 may lock players out of digital games
Testing by Hikikomori Media found that the PlayStation 5 may lock players out of digital-only games if the console cannot connect to PSN servers within the last 30 days. This issue was observed with the titles Wild Arms 4 and Vampire Crawlers, both purchased as digital-only games in April 2026.
Source ↗PlayStation implements mandatory one-time online check for games
Sony's PlayStation system now requires a 'one-time online check' to confirm game ownership. This change was reported by The Verge on April 30, 2026.
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