Sony Pulls the Plug on PlayStation Stars

In a surprising turn of events, Sony has announced the shutdown of its PlayStation Stars loyalty program, which first launched in 2022. Official sources confirm that the “current version” of this program will soon be no more.

What Was PlayStation Stars?

Launched with much fanfare, PlayStation Stars allowed users to collect “digital collectibles,” which Sony marketed as unique representations of beloved gaming characters and iconic devices, reminiscent of PlayStation's rich history. These weren't NFTs, as clarified by Grace Chen, Sony's VP of network advertising and loyalty.

Why the Change?

In a blog post detailing the shutdown, Chen explained that Sony has been closely monitoring player engagement and industry trends. This assessment led to the decision to refocus efforts and discontinue the current version of PlayStation Stars. Chen stated, “We’ve learned a lot from evaluating the types of activities our players respond best to.”

What's Next for Current Members?

Starting immediately, PlayStation Stars will cease accepting new members. However, existing participants can continue to earn digital collectibles and points until July 23rd at 10:59 AM ET. After this date, no new campaigns will be released, and the program is expected to be completely phased out by November 2nd, 2026.

The Future of Loyalty Programs in Gaming

As the gaming landscape evolves, Sony's move raises questions about the future of loyalty initiatives in the industry. Will we see a more streamlined or entirely revamped program in the pipeline? For now, the shutdown signals a potent reminder for gaming companies: adapt or risk fading into obscurity.