Several days ago, many players in the Playstation platform discovered a new timer linked to their digital games which would require them to check in via an active internet connection every 30 days in order to maintain the licenses for their titles. And needless to say, players quickly took to social media to report on the new draconian DRM policy which basically nullifies all rights to their genuine games.
However, Sony Interactive Entertainment has now issued an official statement to Gamespot regarding their new DRM solution which states that it’ll require only a single-time check-in via an active internet connection and there will be no timer involved.
“Players can continue to access and play their purchased games as usual. A one-time online check is required to confirm the game’s license, after which no further check-ins are required.”
While it’s definitely reassuring for players that the new DRM is not going to be nearly as unfair as it first seemed like, the fundamental issue remains the same which is that DRMs make it so that players have much less rights on their genuine copies of games than the publishers. However, the fact that Sony was really quick to response and clarify the entire situation is definitely appreciated.
And by the looks of things, the new DRM seems much more mild and fair which is a striking u-turn from the timer-based solution that was first reported by players. Now whether that sort of DRM indeed exists somewhere which companies plan to incorporate at some time in the future, is what only time will tell, although, the prospect itself is highly alarming.
DRMs are one of the most persistent woes in gaming for close to two decades–originally intended to curb piracy for good, the implementation of many DRMs have ended up punishing the legitimate customers in many different ways. And one of the biggest offenders in DRM solutions today are Denuvo–something that is proven to cause a dip in FPS in almost all the games that use it.
