Sony’s New DRM Could Be a Quiet Crackdown on Refund Exploits

Earlier this week, a new claim around Sony’s PS5 DRM started making rounds online, suggesting players might need to go online every 30 days to keep access to digital games. The findings were first shared by YouTube channel Hikikomori Media, and the news spread like a wildfire among players who, now, are worried about offline play.

Sony’s DRM could be working differently than everyone expected

Well, follow-up testing from a ResetEra user, andshrew, suggests the system may not be as strict as players have thought (via TechPowerUP). By comparing two copies of the same game across different PSN accounts, the user claims the behavior shifts after the early purchase window.

According to the findings, Sony is likely issuing a temporary license during the first phase after purchase. Within the 14-day refund window, users may need to connect online at least once to validate the game. Once that period ends, the license is said to switch to a permanent one, removing any further online requirement.

At a time when digital ownership is already under pressure, this approach appears aimed at closing a potential loophole. The idea is simple. Prevent users from buying a game, refunding it, and continuing to play offline using an exploit.

I am speculating that perhaps people were exploiting the fact that you could purchase a game, grab the indefinite license file for the thing off of an exploitable PS4 and then refund the purchase – and Sony is currently mitigating this issue by time limiting the initial license that you are issued.

— andshrew on RestEra

No official word yet

Sony has not officially confirmed any of this. There is no clear mention of such a system on PlayStation’s official channels, which leaves most of the discussion based on community testing and speculation.

Even if permanent online checks are not part of the system, the initial validation step could still be an issue for users with limited internet access. In other words, missing that window may temporarily restrict access. For now, it appears Sony is quietly adjusting how digital licenses are handled. If we hear anything from Sony on this matter, we’ll update this article.