Sony admits error in removing a legitimate indie developer during a crackdown on PlayStation Store shovelware.
This week’s PlayStation news is marked by noteworthy updates from several game franchises, changes in the PlayStation Store, and a mix of highs and lows for developers.
Sony Faces Developer Backlash
Sony has publicly admitted to mistakenly purging a legitimate indie developer from the PlayStation Store during its recent efforts to eliminate shovelware, as reported by Push Square. While the initiative to clean up the store has been welcomed by many, there were concerns that legitimate developers might be affected, a reality now confirmed by this incident. This highlights the ongoing tensions between platform curation and developer support, and Sony’s challenge in balancing quality control with an inclusive ecosystem.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 Launch
The launch of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 on PS5 continues to keep the franchise in the headlines, with reviews noting both its strengths and limitations compared to previous collections. PlayStation Lifestyle and Push Square highlighted the return of Metal Gear Solid 4, now free from its PS3 confinement, though some feel that this volume lacks the iconic punch of its predecessor. Konami’s long-term plans for the series remain uncertain, as speculation about new content beyond re-releases circulates.
Updates and Expansions
- Marvel Tokon’s Update: Push Square reports a substantial update for Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, improving performance and addressing various issues. This ensures the game remains competitive and smooth across both PS5 and PC platforms.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Expansion: Cost of Hope, an expansion to S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl, is now available, adding new locations and content, as noted by PlayStation Lifestyle. This marks another step in the game’s post-launch development, enhancing its replay value.
Deals and Demos
- Star Ocean: The Divine Force Sale: Fans of Square Enix can grab Star Ocean: The Divine Force at a 65% discount on the PlayStation Store, making it an attractive option for RPG enthusiasts, according to PlayStation Lifestyle.
- Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter Demo: A free demo for Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, due in September 2026, is available now. Players can try the game ahead of its full release, and progress from the demo will carry over, expanding access to this eagerly awaited release, as reported by PlayStation Lifestyle.
Game Shutdown
2XKO, a free-to-play fighting game that struggled to maintain a player base, has announced its shutdown less than a year after launching, as detailed by Push Square. Despite its lineage with League of Legends, the live service model once again proves challenging to sustain, particularly for genre niches like fighting games.
