Sony’s PS5 DRM Controversy Proves You Don’t Own Your Games Anymore

For over a decade now, console manufacturers have told gamers that transitioning to all-digital game libraries was a matter of convenience. No discs to swap; no shelves to buy when the old ones fill up with jewel cases. Instead, your entire collection would be accessible at the push of a button.

They promised us progress. Now that promise is colliding with reality.

A recent firmware change tied to Sony and its PlayStation 5 has ignited a wave of backlash. Reports indicate that certain digitally purchased games now require the console to reconnect to the internet at least once every thirty days to verify ownership. Miss that window, and access can be revoked until the system checks back in.

The technical details aren’t what’s at issue. Verification systems have existed for years. What makes this particular corporate overreach different is how clearly it exposes the terms of the arrangement players have accepted. Buying a digital game no longer grants permanent ownership. It allows conditional access.

Access that depends on a corporation’s continued willingness to honor it.

Read the full post on Substack!

Acess it free for the first two weeks, then find it in the paid archive.