Sony introduces new online requirement for digital games on PS4 and PS5

Sony has introduced a new feature that requires PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 owners to connect to the internet every 30 days to renew the license for their purchased digital games. The change has already sparked frustration among players, who say that all purchases made on the PlayStation Store after March 2026 now include a 30-day timer showing how long they have to renew the license.

Impact on digital games

If players fail to connect within the 30-day window and renew their game license, they will lose access to recently purchased digital titles. This could have significant consequences for gamers who rely on digital purchases, as they may lose access to their games if they are not online in time.

GameStop capitalizes on negativity

In response to the bad publicity surrounding this new requirement, GameStop has decided to take advantage of it. The company has announced a promotion encouraging customers to invest in physical game collections they can play, share, and trade. GameStop is offering discounts of up to 30% on pre-owned games, depending on the number of games purchased. One of the key messages in GameStop’s campaign is that games should work for players, not against them.

Changes in Sony’s policy and future plans

This new license requirement has not yet been officially confirmed by Sony; it may be a bug. Even so, it appears to be part of a broader shift in Sony’s policy, which has also announced plans to redesign the PlayStation Network structure. The news also comes as the company announced plans for a global age-verification rollout, meaning users who do not verify their age will lose access to messaging and voice chat features by the end of 2026.

Players should be aware of these changes and how they may affect them. While some gamers may adapt to the new requirements, others could run into problems with their digital libraries, creating potential inconvenience when playing their favorite titles.