FAQ: Sony's PlayStation DRM Crisis Explained — And What It Means for GTA 6 Digital Buyers

Does Sony's 30-day DRM timer affect GTA 6 digital purchases?

Yes — every digital copy of GTA 6 purchased on the PlayStation Store will go through a 30-day temporary license timer. After one online check-in, the permanent license is activated and no further check-ins are needed.

Will GTA 6 digital games stop working if my PS5 is offline for 30 days?

No. The 30-day timer is transitional, not recurring. After approximately 15 days of being online, the temporary timer converts to a permanent license. From that point, the game works offline indefinitely.

Are physical disc copies of GTA 6 affected by this?

No. Physical disc copies are entirely unaffected by this system. The disc itself serves as the license, so no online check-in is required at any point.

Why did Sony implement this DRM system?

Sony reportedly implemented this to close a piracy exploit. The theory is that pirates were buying digital games, extracting the permanent offline license using modified PS4 consoles, then refunding the game without installing it — keeping both the money and a working license.

How long did Sony take to clarify the situation?

Sony remained silent for about a week while the controversy spread across social media and gaming forums. They eventually confirmed through Game File that the feared recurring 30-day lockout was not happening and that the system requires only a single post-purchase online check.