Sony has implemented a new license verification protocol for digital games on PS4 and PS5 consoles, requiring an online check-in every 30 days to maintain access. This applies to all new digital purchases following a recent system update, with a visible 'validity period' timer appearing on the game's information page.

If the console remains offline beyond this period, the license is temporarily revoked, rendering the game unplayable until reconnection. PlayStation support has verified this via customer chats, though no official public statement from Sony has been issued. Primary console designation does not circumvent the requirement, and issues such as a dead CMOS battery may exacerbate access problems.

Discussions across X and Reddit indicate user dissatisfaction, with references to Sony's 2013 criticism of similar Xbox policies. Preservation-focused accounts like @DoesItPlay1 note that support responses fail to fully address the implementation's shortcomings.

The policy underscores the licensed nature of digital content rather than outright ownership. Console owners planning extended offline periods should account for this connectivity metric.