Sony confirms it will stop letting retailers sell PS4 codes

[R3P0]

WOW Sony just went full on give us all your money!

The policy goes into effect on April 1st

Sony has confirmed that it will indeed prevent retailers like GameStop from selling digital download codes for PlayStation 4 games starting April 1st, 2019. The news, first circulated late last week via a leaked memo obtained by popular game deals watcher Wario64, means that players who do not want to input credit card information into Sony’s PSN platform will no longer be able to buy digital versions of games from physical brick-and-mortar stores. Sony confirmed that it isn’t just GameStop being cut out of the download code business, but all retailers.

“We can confirm that as of April 1, 2019, Sony Interactive Entertainment will no longer offer full games through SIE’s Global Digital at Retail program,” a PlayStation spokesperson tells The Verge. “This decision was made in order to continue to align key businesses globally. To support full games and premium editions, SIE will introduce increased denominations at select retailers. DLC, add-ons, virtual currency, and season passes will still be available.”

Source: https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/25/1...odes-retailers

[dyne]

And on April Fools. I'm torn. I'm all for Gamestop losing revenue however there's still no way to gift a digital game through PSN. Buying cards at retail has been the only way.

[Kurri]

Originally Posted by dyne

And on April Fools. I'm torn. I'm all for Gamestop losing revenue however there's still no way to gift a digital game through PSN. Buying cards at retail has been the only way.

yeah not being able to gift games sucks. Maybe they will add that feature?

[partridge]

Isn't it better to gift them some PSN credit and let them buy what they want? I've never bought game specific PSN cards

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by partridge

Isn't it better to gift them some PSN credit and let them buy what they want? I've never bought game specific PSN cards

Neither have I (for myself or as a gift).

Honestly, I'm okay with this policy change on SONY's part. If I need to give someone a "gift" that they can redeem through the PlayStation Store, I would get them a PSN gift card; this way, they can purchase what they truly want. I can't think of any instances where digital codes sold through a retailer was significantly cheaper than those sold through the PS Store (especially during a Flash Sale).

[Gamma_Winstead]

I genuinely don't see the big deal. Frankly, it sounds pretty stupid to go to a store to buy a code to a digital game. Just buy psn credit at home. Or buy a physical game.

[Derb]

Not a big issue for me but I do notice when said card expires & you are issued a new one, it can be a minor hassle through Sony to get it back up & running.

Again, minor.

[78deluxe]

Originally Posted by dyne

And on April Fools. I'm torn. I'm all for Gamestop losing revenue however there's still no way to gift a digital game through PSN. Buying cards at retail has been the only way.

A physical store with very reasonable prices and tons of locations, not sure I understand the hate.

I can get quality PS3 games therw for litwrally less than goodwill charges. That is nuts. Lomg live game stop.

[dyne]

Originally Posted by 78deluxe

A physical store with very reasonable prices and tons of locations, not sure I understand the hate.

I worked there and fully understand their practices. They are quite simply the AIDS of retail.

[NARMAK]

I'm always against a reduction in consumer purchasing options that allow companies a greater chance to squeeze consumers for profit. Even if it means they still sell through Gamestop etc.

People can vote with their wallets and cutting all B&M stores from digital codes is truly to b3 lamented. Even if i never buy them, i will stand up for those thst do and now face more restricted optipns to buy.

[MOONPHASE]

I like to pay in cash and buying the codes takes out the guest work of buying a PSN Card and then buying the game. So basically more PSN Cards for me even if it is more work.

[Wingman1977]

As long as online retailers can still sell them, I'm fine with it.

[JurassicBD]

Originally Posted by Kurri

yeah not being able to gift games sucks. Maybe they will add that feature?

Gifting a digital code sucks even more. If gifting is any kind of important to you, give them a physical copy they actually legally own, not a glorified rental agreement with terms completely based on the license holders best interest, NOT the consumers.

Anyone surprised by this move by Sony, has absolutely no clue what Corporate Hollywood and the gaming industries digital agenda is all about. The gaming industry is just moving it along faster, and more successfully, no doubt because even more of their customer base is naïve of what they're really supporting.

[Kurri]

well when the kid is 8 years old, you dont really want to let them just buy anything. My sister has kind of strict rules on what games so she prefers the actual digital game. Older yes, credits is much better.

Originally Posted by partridge

Isn't it better to gift them some PSN credit and let them buy what they want? I've never bought game specific PSN cards

[BossTweed]

Originally Posted by Kurri

well when the kid is 8 years old, you dont really want to let them just buy anything. My sister has kind of strict rules on what games so she prefers the actual digital game. Older yes, credits is much better.

Kids will always be able to get around playing video games their parents don't want them to play. Either going to a friend's house that has the game, Friends at school or bought by an unsuspecting, yet understanding relative.

[Wingman1977]

I just noticed that green man gaming pulled days gone form their site.