Sony has confirmed a change to its PlayStation Store license verification system, requiring a one-time online check for users to play PS5 and PS4 games for the first time. The update was first reported by the consumer rights group Does it Play? on April 24, 2026.
According to Sony, the new process applies to digital purchases made on the PlayStation Store. When a user launches a newly purchased game, the console must connect to the internet to verify the license. After this initial check, the game can be played offline.
In a statement to Eurogamer on April 28, 2026, a Sony spokesperson said: 'This is a technical update to improve license management. It does not affect ownership or the ability to play games offline after the first verification.' The company clarified that the change is not retroactive and only applies to games purchased after the update.
The move has sparked debate among gamers, with some expressing concerns about digital rights management. However, Sony emphasized that the check is a one-time requirement and does not impact physical disc-based games.
