We’re clearly at a loss as to what to make of this whole DRM saga that PlayStation rolled out in March. Initially thought to be a simple error, this system was apparently intentionally implemented by Sony. However, we’ve just received a new take on the story.

On ResetEra, a user named « andshrew », who is using a jailbroken PS4 to investigate the issue, claims to have discovered that these DRM measures are actually temporary. The Japanese manufacturer’s goal is reportedly to curb piracy by preventing abuse of the refund policy for games purchased on the PlayStation Store.

Thus, the 30-day period is only temporary before being replaced by an unlimited license. According to the user, this temporary period was implemented to prevent hackers from exploiting Sony’s refund system. Under this system, an uninstalled digital game is refundable within 14 days of purchase. Pirates reportedly use jailbroken PS4s to extract the now-unlimited license before requesting a refund. They can then create a pirated, playable copy of the title.

The 30-day DRM, which converts to an unlimited term after 14 days, helps counter this method. Simply put, all PS5 and PS4 games now have this limited license that automatically converts to an unlimited license after the 14-day refund period. Once the transition is complete, an internet connection is no longer required to launch the games.

Of course, this still needs to be confirmed, as Sony has not commented on the matter.