PlayStation clarifies DRM policy with 30-day counter

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.

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

• 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.

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.

Share

Amanda Torati

View

Amanda Torati is a linguist and postgraduate researcher who specializes in the intersection of storytelling and interactive media. With a deep fascination for the gaming ecosystem, she focuses on deconstructing game narratives and technical trends to make them accessible to players of all levels. At ABWaves Game, Amanda combines her academic background with in-depth research to deliver reviews and guides that are both precise and engaging, ensuring readers stay informed in a fast-paced digital world.

Most recent

News

Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact completes season pass 1 with legendary assassin Zeno Zoldyck this June

The first major content cycle for HUNTER×HUNTER NEN×IMPACT is officially drawing to a close. Worldwide publisher Arc System Works has confirmed that Zeno Zoldyck will be the fourth and final DLC character for Season Pass 1. The legendary elder assassin of the Zoldyck family is scheduled to join the fight on June 18, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam).

by Amanda Torati

June 12, 2026 at 1:19 PM

News

FreeStyle Football 2 hits Steam next fest: live demo, full crossplay, and street vibes

Joycity and developer Woore are officially bringing FreeStyle Football 2 to the global stage for the upcoming Steam Next Fest (running June 15–22, 2026). Dropping right alongside the summer's international football fever, players can jump onto the pitch early—the free, expanded playable demo is available on Steam right now.

by Amanda Torati

June 12, 2026 at 1:07 PM

News

Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition opens pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 with brand-new content

The Lands Between are officially making their debut on a Nintendo platform. Bandai Namco and FromSoftware have announced Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2, with digital pre-orders now officially open on the eShop. Marking one of the most significant third-party releases for the new console, this definitive edition is scheduled to launch on August 28, 2026, bundling the base game, its massive expansion, and entirely new gameplay features.

by Amanda Torati

June 12, 2026 at 12:56 PM

News

Xbox reportedly facing July layoffs and potential studio closures amid major “business reset”

A sharp wave of restructuring is headed to Microsoft’s gaming division. Following recent reports from Bloomberg and The Verge, Xbox is preparing to execute another round of massive layoffs slated for early July 2026, which could result in the total closure of at least one first-party development studio.

by Amanda Torati

June 11, 2026 at 12:30 PM

News

Final Fantasy Resonance officially announced: reviving brave exvius in stunning HD-2D style

Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides. Square Enix is finally bringing its mainline universe into the gorgeous, nostalgic world of HD-2D. Following the massive critical success of the visual style in franchises like Octopath Traveler and Dragon Quest, the publisher has officially unveiled Final Fantasy Resonance—a turn-based […]

by Amanda Torati

June 10, 2026 at 12:38 PM

News

Nintendo Direct June 2026 Mega-Summary: Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake, Kingdom Hearts 4, and Next-Gen Xenoblade Shock the Industry

KYOTO, Japan — Following a wild Summer Game Fest week, Nintendo took center stage today with a blockbuster June 2026 Nintendo Direct. As the Nintendo Switch 2 charges through its highly successful first year on the market, the gaming giant unleashed an absolute onslaught of first-party masterpieces, massive next-gen upgrades, and shocking third-party partnerships.

by Amanda Torati

June 9, 2026 at 7:09 PM