PlayStation DRM Now Requires One-Time Online Check, as Sony Clarifies Situation

by Alex Co April 30, 2026 12:29 am in News
PlayStation DRM check-in

The video game community has been chattering about Sony’s new DRM (Digital Rights Management) initiative on PlayStation games ever since it was spotted this weekend, with some stating that gamers will now be required to have the game online every 30 days or risk losing access.

We’ve contacted Sony and haven’t heard anything back, but for the first time since this mess started, the company has issued a statement, and it’s a bit worrying.

PlayStation DRM Confirmed, as Players Now Required a Check-In

ps5 price increase

In a statement sent to GameSpot, a Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) spokesperson relayed the message, “Players can continue to access and play their purchased games as usual. A one-time online check is required to confirm the game’s license, after which no further check-ins are required.”

This means that even if you don’t want to, you’re now required to check-in your game at least once. While it’s highly unlikely that someone who games these days doesn’t have their gaming device connected to the internet, it’s more of the principle of the thing, right? And what’s next if gamers don’t push back? A check-in every six months? Every 30 days? Sony has been known to be rather unpleasant when they know they’re the market leader (remember the PS3 days?), and that’s what’s happening now with the PS5 dominating the Xbox Series X|S handily.

Let’s hope this isn’t the start of something far worse, and hopefully, people will not choose blind fanboyism to keep Sony in check.

Speaking of PlayStation games, Sony has the Big Games, Big Deals promotion ongoing on the PSN Store, and we have the full list of discounts.

Stay connected to MP1st and the latest news by following us on Bluesky, X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Google News.

Avatar photo

Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.



Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments