😬 Sony recently sent an email reminding PS5 users that digital games are licensed, not owned
🪧 This message arrived during a fan-led “blackout” protest against Sony’s plans to discontinue physical discs by January 2028
💿 While similar licensing terms are standard across the industry with competitors like Microsoft and Valve, Sony is bearing the brunt of the backlash
😔 Sony remains committed to a digital-only future, with expectations that the PS6 and upcoming Xbox hardware will follow this model
Sony continues to inflame its relationship with PlayStation fans as a new email has been flagged that reminds PS5 owners that any digital software they purchase is a license, and not something they actually own.
The email couldn’t have been sent at a worse time, as it’s been received on the week protesters began their PS5 ‘blackout’, which urges PlayStation 5 owners to turn off their consoles for several days to push back against Sony’s decision to ditch discs forever in January 2028.
The email reads: “The Software is licensed to you, not sold. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and personal license to play or use the Software for your private, non-commercial use on the system or device it was intended for.”
Of course, while it may be all the rage to hate on Sony at the moment, it’s worth mentioning that Microsoft, Nintendo, and even Valve have similar conditions for digital purchases. Valve even makes it clear that you must have a Steam account, may be required to run the Steam client, and maintain an Internet connection to access your games.
Still, with PlayStation spearheading the end of physical media in the console space, the reminder will only anger those who are already furious with the Japanese company. And while similar legalese is used for physical media, too – though that format can be transferred, unlike a digital code – Sony is facing the brunt of the backlash.
After adding a warning about its decision to ditch discs on new PS5 console packaging and doubling down in a statement, Sony is seemingly steadfast in its decision. It means that the PS6 will be a digital-only console, and it’s likely Microsoft will follow suit with Xbox Project Helix.
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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.