Sony sends PlayStation users a reminder they don't own their digital games just as a fan boycott over ending discs kicks off

PlayStation users have recently been bombarded with an unexpected reminder of the ownership rights they possess on the platform, coinciding with a planned boycott against Sony's decision to phase out physical PlayStation discs by 2028. The email, sent out on August 18th, contained the full text of PlayStation's Terms of Service, Code of Conduct, End User License Agreement, and Privacy Policy, including the specific clause on digital purchases.

Users reported receiving the email even though they hadn't accessed their accounts in months. The email reiterated that the software is licensed, not sold, to users for private, non-commercial use on the system it was intended for, with restrictions on renting, modifying, or obtaining games through unauthorized means. The email arrives as an unofficial boycott, #PSBlackout, organized by fan group DoesItPlay, is set to commence on August 23rd, urging participants to log off, refrain from purchases, and cancel subscriptions in protest of Sony's move away from physical media.

Sony's CFO Lin Tao defended the decision during the latest earnings call, citing the overall progression of digital content and its universal applicability, but acknowledged the strong sentiments surrounding the issue.