Sony is tightening the rules for PlayStation Network accounts, and the change hits digital game owners hard. If you move to a new country, you cannot simply update your profile to match your new residence. The system locks your account to the original region you selected at sign-up, which creates a significant barrier for players relocating abroad.
Sony policy forces new accounts and digital library loss upon relocation
The core issue stems from Sony's requirement for an accurate address and country of residence during account creation. Users who later move cannot change their region on an existing PSN account. The company suggests registering a new account for the new location, but this solution comes with a heavy penalty for digital library owners.
Switching regions forces users to create new accounts, which means they lose access to digital games and trophies on the old account. This strict region-locking contrasts with competitors like Microsoft, Nintendo, and Steam, which do not impose similar barriers. Nintendo, for instance, allows region editing directly through console settings, giving users more flexibility than Sony currently offers.
Beyond region locking, Sony's terms of service reportedly allow the deletion of unused PlayStation accounts after three years of inactivity in European countries. This policy adds another layer of risk for players who pause their gaming habits for extended periods. The combination of rigid region policies and potential account deletion creates a precarious environment for digital ownership on the platform.
We looked at Sony PS5 Digital Edition Japan in our earlier Sony coverage, where region locks were also a central theme. The current PSN policy updates reinforce the challenges of maintaining a consistent digital library across borders. Players should review their account settings and digital assets carefully before making any moves or changes to their residence status.
Source: NotebookCheck
