Sony confirms DRM problem on PS5 that blocks games without internet connection

Sony confirmed that the PlayStation 5 console was affected by a license authentication issue that prevents players from using their games without checking their internet connection every 30 days. The system especially blocks titles purchased in recent weeks, leaving consumers without access to content if they fail online verification.

Novos tests reveal real scope of the problem

Technical Content Creators Vídeos has confirmed that the PS5 Pro is unable to launch certain games when the console’s CMOS battery is removed, simulating loss of connection to the authentication server. In a test with four titles — Saint Slayer, Vampire Crawlers, Crimson Desert and Pragmata — only the last two started normally under these conditions, while the newly acquired ones displayed an error message.

The message presented is clear: “Não can use this content. Unable to connect to the server to verify your license. Aguarde for a few moments and try again.”

Isso suggests that the mechanism implemented after the March 2026 update works exactly as reported. Quando the console loses track of real time or is unable to validate the license online, blocking happens automatically. Todos titles start working again once the internet is restored and the console reconnects to the Sony servers.

Mensagens support contradictions create confusion

Sony customer support has sent conflicting statements about how the new DRM system works. Algumas responses indicate that the 30-day verification is intentional and was incorporated into the March update. Outras are less conclusive and suggest that this is expected behavior. Há also reports that support provided generic or low-quality information, leading experts to question whether some agents are chatbots or poorly prepared employees.

Consumers complain about the lack of transparency. The PS5, unlike the PS4, does not display any visual warnings informing when software will expire, leaving users without crucial information about the status of their digital purchases.

Questões on digital preservation gains traction

The game preservation community expresses genuine concern. If the console’s CMOS battery naturally fails — which inevitably happens with any electronic device — and Sony’s servers are deactivated in the future, players will permanently lose access to all purchased content. Essa situation raises legal and ethical questions about digital property and consumer rights.

The situation repeats a scenario that already occurred with PS3 and PS Vita in 2022, when Sony needed to fix similar authentication problems that made games unplayable offline. Naquela occasion, the company resolved the issue after public pressure. Agora, a new comparable engine emerged five years later.

Leia Também

Heavy rains leave streets flooded in João Pessoa and Campina Grande

João Fonseca misses French Challenger due to regulatory conflict and changes schedule

Pedro Novaes reveals that Leticia Spiller and Marcello Novaes never separated, they just renewed their love in friendship

What we know about range

• Problema affects PS4 and PS5 games purchased in recent weeks
• Títulos purchased longer ago do not have a visible expiration period
• Apenas newly digitally acquired games display 30-day timer
• Jogos purchased physically works normally even offline
• Blocking occurs when the console is unable to connect to servers to verify the license

Teoria on intentionality still open

Anonymous Fontes close to the issue suggests that Sony accidentally broke something while patching a security vulnerability. Segundo this theory, the company knew about the confusing interface for some time but did not consider it urgent. Contudo, without an official statement from Sony, it is impossible to confirm whether this is really a bug or an intentional implementation of a new type of DRM.

The inconsistency of the reports reinforces the theory of technical error. Alguns users face blocking while others do not. The issue appears to only occur on newly purchased software, specifically on the PS4, before extending to the PS5. An intentional DRM system would be more uniformly applied.

Empresa remains silent

Até At this time, Sony has not provided any official statement denying or confirming the nature of the problem. The company has been contacted by multiple press outlets, technical content creators and digital preservation communities, but remains silent on the causes and solutions.

Sem clarification from the corporation, misinformation continues to circulate on social media. Alguns users fear that their licenses will be revoked completely if they do not check in within 30 days. Outros believe the block is only temporary until they reconnect. Nenhuma of these concerns has been officially addressed.

The expectation now is that Sony will comment soon, clarifying whether the mechanism is an error to be corrected or a strategic decision. Até there, PS5 owners will remain under uncertainty about the integrity of their digital purchases.