SONY ADDS ONLINE LICENSE CHECK TO PS4/PS5 GAMES

Sony has implemented a one-time online license check for select digital games on PS4 and PS5 platforms. The company confirmed the requirement applies to games purchased after March 2026. The verification process asks players to connect online to confirm their game license before playing. Sony stated the check is intended to validate game ownership and combat refund scams—a growing issue on digital storefronts. The exact scope of affected titles remains unclear. Sony has not specified how many games will require the verification or provided a complete list of impacted releases. The company also did not clarify whether existing games will have the requirement retroactively applied. This development raises questions about digital game ownership and always-online requirements. Players who frequently play offline or have unreliable internet connections may face access issues with affected titles. Digital refund fraud has plagued console manufacturers and publishers. Players have exploited generous refund policies by purchasing games, obtaining refunds, and retaining access through various methods. The license check appears to be Sony's answer to this problem. The measure follows ongoing industry debates about digital ownership rights. While physical games transfer freely between users, digital licenses remain tied to accounts with restrictions on sharing and resale. Sony has not announced plans to expand the requirement beyond the March 2026 cutoff date, though future policy changes remain possible.