Sony has quietly added DRM checks to PlayStation 5

Sony has reportedly introduced online DRM checks for newly released PlayStation 4 and 5 games, causing confusion among players. The changes are believed to have been rolled out with the March 2026 firmware update, although Sony has not yet issued an official statement on the implications of the adjustments.

Details of the change

Players have noticed that newly purchased PS4 games now display a 30-day license timer. Competitors such as Does it play? have highlighted the change on social media. It appears Sony has implemented a background check for newly bought digital games, purchased from March 2026 onward, to verify whether players are trying to launch legitimate copies. If the console is offline, users are given a 30-day grace period for offline play.

Impact on users

PS5 players may now encounter an error message when launching a game if they do not pass the DRM checks. The discovery has sparked concern and frustration among gamers, especially given Sony’s history with issues around digital copyright restrictions. Customer support conversations on social media have shown that many PlayStation agents are not well informed about the situation, adding to the confusion.

Comparisons with earlier incidents

The situation is reminiscent of the 2021 "CBOMB" issue, in which some games stopped working if the console’s internal battery failed. That led to public backlash, and Sony had to move quickly to address the problem. Many players are hoping the company will soon provide clarity on the current DRM implementation, especially as attention around it continues to grow.

It remains unclear what the long-term effects of these changes will be for Sony and its customers. While waiting for an official response from Sony, many gamers are wondering how these new measures will affect their gaming experience.