- A PS5 user reports that their access has been blocked Yotei Ghost digital copy for ‘half an hour’ due to license verification
- License verification isn’t new, but this case is important amid Sony’s plans to phase out physical copies of the game.
- Once physical copies of the games run out, access to PlayStation games will be available to Sony
Sony’s plans to push for an all-digital future for PlayStation games have come under heavy scrutiny since the announcement, and one case highlights just how dangerous those plans are for game access and ownership.
A Reddit user (in a now-deleted post) reported that he had been blocked from accessing the digital copy of Yotei Ghost on PS5 for half an hour, even after updating the licenses. When trying to open the game, the message says: “I can’t use this content. Your licenses are being verified. Please try again later.”
It’s important to note that this type of scenario is not exactly new; License update messages may appear after a long period, especially when sharing a game with another user. However, this Yotei Ghost The license verification example comes amid Sony’s controversial decision to end production of physical game discs starting in January 2028.
Once the supposed digital-only PS6 arrives, this same example of a consumer being locked out of a game could happen at any time. Unlike physical game discs, access to digital copies of PlayStation games is at the discretion of Sony, and the same will soon apply to all copies of the game, which essentially means that ownership of the game will be non-existent.
Since there hasn’t been any follow-up statement since the album’s announcement, it seems like Sony is waiting for the dust to die down so it can finally commit to its digital-only plans, despite pressure from online consumers.
Unlike Microsoft’s decision to backtrack on its “always-on” Xbox One plans after the 2013 backlash, it may take a tumultuous effort by consumers, game studios, and video game retailers to make an impact.
It’s also quite ironic that Sony, which previously mocked Microsoft for the ability to share physical copies of games, is now responsible for removing physical copies of games. In the same vein as the subscription-based PlayStation Plus, which is a requirement to play games online, if consumers don’t continue to reject digital-only plans, there will be no turning back once the PS6 arrives.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to receive news, reviews and opinions from our experts in your feeds.
