PS4, Used Games and DRM FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: Here is the section on the use of games used on PS4.

We report the useful translation made on PlayStation Blog, dividing it for convenience and ease of use into several separate articles. Index HERE





Part 3: Used Games and DRM

Does PS4 support used games?
Yes, as is the case on PS3 today, PS4 will have no restrictions on the use of used disc games. When a player buys a PS4 disc, they have the right to use that copy of the game, including the ability to give it back to the retailer, sell it to another person, lend it to a friend or keep it forever. In addition, users will not have to activate their games or pay a used fee to play used game discs on PS4.

Will PS4 titles have an Online Pass?
PS4 First-party titles (games developed by Sony Computer Entertainment) will not have an Online Pass. Regarding Third Party titles, PlayStation will not impose a strategy on distributors on the Online Pass. However, most of the Third Parties have excluded the use of the Online Pass, so it is very likely that this method will not appear on PS4.

Will PS4 users be able to lend and borrow games?
Yes, they can lend and borrow games on disc without any restrictions.

Will PS4 users be able to trade and sell games?
Yes, they can trade and sell disc games freely.

Does PS4 need a permanent internet connection to run games?
No, PS4 does not require a permanent connection to run the games, so single player titles will be playable at any time. For online multiplayer, an internet connection and PlayStation Plus membership is required.

Does PS4 need to occasionally connect to the internet?
If we exclude system update 1.50 and one-time activation to view Blu-ray and DVD movies, PS4 does not require an online connection to authenticate or play disc games. However, some advanced PS4 features will need a connection, such as streaming PS4 game gameplay, entertainment services, and more.

Will PlayStation do any kind of authentication on the disc version of PS4 games?
No, no authentication is required for disc versions of PS4 games.

Will PS4 games have regional blocks?
The digital and disc versions will not have digital locks, however PlayStation recommends purchasing the titles in your territory to enjoy the best possible gaming experience and customer service support. In some circumstances, a distributor may decide to place a regional block for their own reasons, but Sony Computer Entertainment expects these cases to be limited.

Will PS4 be able to automatically download system updates?
Yes, system software will be downloaded automatically for all users.

Will PS4 automatically download game patches?
Yes, all PS4 users will be able to automatically download and install game patches on PS4. In addition, PlayStation Plus members will be able to start automatic downloads even when the system is in strandby mode.

Will users be able to customize the frequency and time of automatic detection, download and installation?
No.

Will users be able to continue playing on PS4 while a game patch is detected, downloaded and installed?
Users will be able to continue playing on PS4 while a patch is automatically detected and downloaded. But, depending on the game, users may not be able to take advantage of the online features until all the patch data is installed. To install a patch, the user will need to close the game.

Will PS4 always have to be on to download a game patch automatically?
No, PlayStation Plus members will be able to enjoy this feature even with the PS4 in standby.

Will I be able to access my digital game collection from my PS4?
Yes, you will be able to log into your SEN account on any PS4 connected to the internet, access your PS4 digital content, friends list and trophies. Outside of your “primary” console, you can only log in to one console at a time.

What happens to that content when I stop playing?
Once the user logs out, that content is no longer available.

Is it possible to log in multiple users on one PS4?
Yes, as is the case on PS3, PS4 users can switch between SEN accounts on only one PS4.

Is it possible to log in multiple users on one PS4 at the same time?
Yes, up to four users can be connected simultaneously on a single PS4.

Is it possible to take advantage of the automatic synchronization of trophies and push download services by multiple users?
No.

Does PS4 include a web browser?
Yes, PS4 has a web browser, based on webkit technology which makes it faster and more compatible than the PS3 browser.

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