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Sony has introduced a new DRM protection that initially caused quite a stir among gamers. Reports suggested that PlayStation 5 users would need to connect to the internet every 30 days to retain access to their digital games. However, it turns out that the actual mechanism may be more complex and at least somewhat justified.
DRM as Protection Against Refund Abuse
According to community analyses, the new DRM may be an attempt to limit abuses related to returns in PlayStation Network. The mechanism is that after purchasing a game, the user receives a temporary licence valid for approximately 30 days, but the key period is the first roughly 14 days, which is the standard return window. Only after this period does the system assign a permanent licence, which allows for normal offline play without restrictions. Such a model would aim to prevent situations where someone buys a game, exploits it to retain the licence, and then returns the purchase while continuing to play without network access. If this theory is true, Sony is trying to close a loophole that could have cost the company real money.
There are still reasons to be concerned
Although the new DRM may make sense from a security perspective, it raises considerable doubts among players. The main issue is the lack of clear communication from Sony; users are not informed that their game may require an internet connection within a certain timeframe after purchase. For those with limited access to the internet, this can pose a real obstacle, especially if they do not manage to "activate" the full license within the required period. Even if the restriction is temporary, the mere necessity of a one-time online connection can be problematic and undermines the idea of full ownership of digital games.
Sony's new DRM could be a clever way to combat abuses, but at the same time, it highlights how complicated the digital distribution market is becoming. Without clear rules and communication, such solutions can easily turn against users.
source: techpowerup
