Do you own the games you buy on PlayStation Store?

Quick answer

This page answers Do you own the games you buy on PlayStation Store? quickly.

AnswerTipsNext

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

• Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
• Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
• Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

• Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
• Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
• Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

The answer to this question is no, you do not own the games you buy on PlayStation Store, but rather, you purchase a license to play them, which is tied to your PSN account. This means that as long as you have your account and the PlayStation Network is still operational, you can access and play the games you’ve purchased, but you do not have full ownership of them.

Understanding Digital Game Ownership

Introduction to Digital Game Licensing

When you buy a game from the PlayStation Store, you are essentially buying a digital license to play that game, which is linked to your PSN account. This license allows you to access and play the game as long as the PlayStation Network is available and you have a valid account.

Key Differences Between Digital and Physical Game Ownership

Unlike physical games, which you own outright and can sell, trade, or lend to others, digital games are subject to the terms and conditions of the license agreement. This means that you cannot sell, trade, or transfer ownership of digital games, and you are limited to playing them on authorized devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. What happens to my digital games if the PlayStation Network shuts down? If the PlayStation Network were to shut down, you may lose access to your digital games until you upgrade to a newer console, if the games are compatible with it.
2. Can I sell digital games I’ve purchased on the PlayStation Store? No, you cannot sell digital games that you’ve purchased on the PlayStation Store, as they are tied to your PSN account and have no monetary value once purchased.
3. Do I keep games I buy on PlayStation Store? Yes, games you purchase from the PS Store remain in your online library, and you can access and play them whenever you want, as long as you have a valid account.

Technical Questions

4. How do I access my digital games on a new PS4 console? You can access your digital games on a new PS4 console by signing in to your PSN account, and then downloading the games from the PS Store.
5. Can I transfer my digital games to another PSN account? No, you cannot transfer ownership of your digital games to another PSN account, as they are tied to the account that purchased them.
6. What happens to my game progress if I delete a digital game from my PS4? If you delete a digital game from your PS4, you will lose any saved progress that is stored locally on the console, unless you have cloud saves enabled through a PS Plus subscription.

Refund and Cancellation Questions

7. Can I request a refund for a digital game I purchased on the PlayStation Store? Yes, you can request a refund for a digital game within 14 days of purchase, as long as you have not started downloading or streaming the game.
8. What if I buy a game on the PlayStation Store and I don’t like it? If you purchase a game on the PlayStation Store and you don’t like it, you can request a refund within the 14-day refund period, as long as you have not started downloading or streaming the game.

Account and Console Questions

9. Are my digital games tied to my PSN account or my PS4 console? Your digital games are tied to your PSN account, not your PS4 console, which means you can access them on any PS4 console as long as you sign in to your PSN account.
10. What happens to my digital games if my PS4 breaks? If your PS4 breaks, you will not lose access to your digital games, as they are stored in your online library and can be downloaded again on a new console.

Ownership and Licensing Questions

11. Do I own digital games forever? As long as you keep your PSN account and the PlayStation Network is still operational, you will have access to your digital games, but you do not own them forever in the classical sense, as you are subject to the terms and conditions of the license agreement.
12. What are the cons of digital games? Some of the cons of digital games include the fact that you cannot sell or trade them, and you are limited to playing them on authorized devices.

Purchase and Download Questions

13. How do I purchase and download digital games on the PlayStation Store? You can purchase and download digital games on the PlayStation Store using your PS4 console or through the PS Store website, and then download them to your console over the internet.
14. What is the easiest way to get a PS5 at regular retail price? The easiest way to get a PS5 at regular retail price is to check the official Sony website or authorized retailers for availability and pricing information.

Game Compatibility and Transfer Questions

15. Can digital PS4 games be transferred to a PS5 console? Yes, digital PS4 games can be transferred to a PS5 console, as long as the games are compatible with the PS5 and you sign in to your PSN account on the new console.