You don't own that.
Update: PlayStation has backflipped on an announcement to remove paid digital content from Discovery over what it first called “content licensing arrangements”.
“Due to updated licensing arrangements, the Discovery content removal planned for December 31, 2023 is no longer occurring,” Sony said in an update. “We appreciate your ongoing support and feedback.”
The change of heart is likely due to user reaction to the initial announcement; you can learn more about the situation from our original reporting, below.
Original story [5 December]: PlayStation will remove access to select paid digital content over “content licensing arrangements”, cutting previously purchased Discovery content from the video libraries of users.
“As of 31 December 2023, due to our content licensing arrangements with content providers, you will no longer be able to watch any of your previously purchased Discovery content and the content will be removed from your video library,” Sony advised those who have previously made purchases. “We sincerely thank you for your continued support.”
This notice was followed up with a statement that details associated content, and it’s a big list. Series include the likes of BBQ Pitmasters, Barbara Walters Presents, A Crime to Remember, American Choppers, Toddlers and Tiaras and many more.
Losing access to content is seeming the new normal; streaming fans likely already know this. Shows like Star Trek Discovery bounce between platforms like Netflix and Paramount+, shows including Star Trek Prodigy are swiftly removed from services like Parmount+ and are forced to find a new home, while others like Batgirl never see the light of day.
On the video game front, titles frequent drop songs — or even themselves entirely — from new platforms as existing licensing agreements conclude.
“oh, so it appears a lot of y’all don’t know this…when you ‘buy’ a digital copy, you’re simply purchasing a license to view, you do not OWN that movie,” explained lord_anarchy. “Think of it more like a movie ticket, you get to watch the movie but you don’t own it my advice is just buy a physical copy that comes with a digital code, so if you ever lose your digital ‘viewing license’, you still have that good ole physical copy.”
Regardless of the accuracy of the explanation, fans aren’t happy.
“On steam if an item is removed from the store due to licensing (or any other reason) those that own it can still download and play it,” wrote GamingDaveUK. “Sony are just straight stealing stuff here. I would atleast expect a refund if it was me.”
“So buying movies online is basically just NFTs lol,” added IFakeOrgasms.
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