Sony seemingly implementing new DRM for PS5 and PS4 games, requiring online checks to play

Over the past few days, multiple reports of PlayStation consoles keeping track of the last time a game was validated online via the PlayStation Network have been surfacing. While this was originally attributed to being a bug in the system that's simply showing internal data, continued new reports and even a PlayStation Support confirmation are casting doubts on that conclusion.

Users noticed that following the latest system update to the PlayStation 4, newly purchased digital games now have a count-down timer in the information tab. This shows a validity period that ends 30 days after the game's last check-in with online servers, even if it's a single-player offline title. The timer isn't displayed for users via the UI on the PlayStation 5, but reports say that it's still being tracked internally.

The system update hasn't been live long enough to check if the newly purchased games will refuse to launch after the 30-day period. However, YouTube channel Spawn Wave went around that by resetting the PlayStation 5 console's CMOS battery. With the internal date reset and a new date set manually, new games refused to launch with the following message:

"Can't use this content. Can't connect to the server to verify your license. Wait a while, and then try again."

Keep in mind that physical games still loaded fine by using this method. Also, games purchased prior to the system update with the DRM checks in place also launch and play without any issues.

When a user asked PlayStation support about this new DRM system, the online assistant sent a confirmation message about it as well. It said that all new digital purchases following the March 2026 system update need to connect to the internet at least once every 30 days to be functional, with no way to bypass the check.

If the new DRM system is going to be a confirmed feature for PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles, this isn't the first time that a major console maker has attempted to attach an online check-in system. Back in 2013, Microsoft revealed a similar system for restricting offline play on the Xbox One. Following a massive backlash, and with Sony ridiculing the decision, Microsoft decided to pull the system entirely.

Via Gamespot