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PlayStation clarifies DRM policy with 30-day counter

The confusion stemmed from reports of a “30-day counter” appearing for some users. PlayStation explained the system as follows:

PlayStation clarifies DRM policy
PlayStation clarifies DRM policy. (Image: ABWaves Game)

  • Standard Access: Players can continue to access and play their purchased games as usual.
  • One-Time Confirmation: Upon purchasing a digital title, a one-time online confirmation is required. Once this check is completed, the game remains accessible indefinitely without further internet requirements.
  • The 30-Day Window: It appears that when a game is first acquired, it carries a temporary license. This timer is designed to vanish permanently once the initial online verification is successful.

Combating frauds and exploits

Industry analysts, including the group DoesItPlay, suggest that this technical adjustment is a direct response to security vulnerabilities:

  • Refund Fraud: Some users discovered exploits to maintain access to installed games even after requesting a refund and having their license officially revoked.
  • Jailbreak Exploits: The change may also be linked to a recent exploit involving the game Star Wars Racer Revenge, which gained notoriety in early 2026 for its association with the PlayStation 5 firmware 12.00 jailbreak.

Comparison to other platforms

This DRM approach aligns PlayStation more closely with industry standards like Steam. While Steam offers an “Offline Mode,” many single-player titles on that platform still require an initial one-time online check before they can be played without an active connection.

Note: Despite the clarification, Sony did not specify why the counter is visible to some players and not others, leading to ongoing monitoring by the community for those with unstable internet connections.

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