PS5 digital games purchased after March 2026 now face a controversial restriction that has left players frustrated. Sony appears to have implemented a digital rights management system requiring PlayStation Network verification every 30 days, though the company hasn't issued an official statement addressing the growing concerns.
The new DRM policy affects all digital titles purchased following the March 2026 system update. Players must connect their consoles to the internet within a rolling 30-day window to verify game licenses. Failure to do so prevents games from launching until an internet connection restores access.
Accessibility-focused account "Does it play?" first highlighted this change, which multiple content creators subsequently confirmed through testing. Hikikomori Media demonstrated that newer titles stopped working entirely on an offline console, while purchases made before March 2026 continued functioning normally.
A screenshot circulating online shows PlayStation support acknowledging the restriction. The response states that digitally purchased games after the March update could require the 30-day online verification, and setting a console as "Primary" doesn't bypass this requirement.
Both PS4 and PS5 consoles are affected, though PS4 displays a visible countdown timer while PS5 keeps it hidden. This lack of transparency has intensified criticism across Reddit and Discord communities.
The policy raises serious questions for gamers with unstable internet connections, frequent travellers, and those in remote areas. Many fear this undermines the value proposition of digital ownership compared to physical media.
Players are advised to periodically log into PlayStation Network if they rely heavily on digital purchases, at least until Sony provides clarity. Whether this represents intentional policy or a backend error remains unconfirmed.