Users of the ResetEra community have revealed the possible operating principle of Sony's new DRM system for PlayStation. Information published by a user under the nickname Andshrew and later confirmed by DoesItPlay indicates that the restrictions are temporary.
According to their findings, when a digital game is purchased, the user is first issued a temporary 30-day license, allowing offline play. After this, it automatically converts to a permanent one — without the need for further online checks. However, there is an important condition: to switch to an indefinite license, it is necessary to connect to the internet at least once after 14 days from the date of purchase — that is, immediately after the standard return period ends.
If this is not done, access to the game will be blocked after the 30-day temporary license expires until a network connection is established. After authorization, the license immediately becomes permanent and no longer requires online checks.
Previously, users received an indefinite offline license immediately after purchase. It is assumed that the changes are related to Sony's attempt to close a vulnerability: malicious actors could extract the permanent license file from vulnerable consoles, and then process a refund, effectively getting the game for free.
The new system is likely designed to prevent such cases — the temporary license is valid during the return period, preventing permanent access from being secured before its expiration.