Sony confirms new "one-time" DRM check for digital PlayStation games

Sony has finally confirmed that it has implemented a DRM check to the PS4 and PS5 that ensures that digital games are legitimate but stressed that the check only needs to be performed once per game.

The details:

• Earlier this week, fans spotted that with the release of the PS5’s version 13.20 update, it appeared that some form of DRM had been implemented, forcing players to go online in order to play newly purchased digital games. The check added a 30-day timer, which would deplete when the console was offline, resulting in a game becoming inaccessible when it hit zero until the console reconnected to PlayStation Network.
• Sony has now issued a statement to Game File confirming that the DRM was intentionally added but made it clear that the check is a one-time thing for each game, with an indefinite offline license granted after 14 days. When a game is now purchased from the PlayStation Store, a “one-time online check is required after purchase to confirm the game’s license, after which no further check-ins are needed.”
• Sony has not explained why the check has been put in place as of yet. Players have suggested that it could be an attempt to counter a refund exploit on the PlayStation Store, as users can no longer receive a refund after 14 days.