Key Takeaways
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- Sony abruptly terminated their publishing agreement with independent developer Ternox Games, blocking the PS5 release of STONKS9800 and removing thirteen other titles from the store without explanation.
- In response to this decision, Ternox is shifting its focus exclusively to Nintendo Switch and Xbox platforms for future releases while continuing to produce physical copies for PC and Switch users.
- Some fans suspect these removals may be part of a broader cleanup against shovelware, highlighting complex issues regarding digital ownership licenses versus true product rights.
- This controversy underscores growing concerns within the gaming community as major publishers consolidate control, potentially threatening smaller developers who rely on console ecosystems for their livelihood.
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Independent studio Ternox Games has announced that Sony will not permit the PlayStation 5 release of its stock market-themed game, STONKS9800. In addition to blocking this new title, Sony has terminated its relationship with the Ukrainian developer and plans to remove 13 of Ternox Games’ older titles from the PlayStation Store. STONKS9800, which features an aesthetic inspired by 1980s anime, was released on Steam in 2023 and has since achieved over 100,000 sales with a 97% positive review rating. Ternox Games had intended to launch a PlayStation 5 version in 2027. However, the developer revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that Sony abruptly revoked its status as an active publisher without providing any explanation. The situation extends to Ternox Games’ back catalog. As of August 23, all games published by Ternox on PlayStation consoles over the past five years are scheduled for removal from the PlayStation Store. This includes titles such as Nexoria: Dungeon Rogue Heroes, Retro Highway, and Scrap Divers. Ternox Games reports that PlayStation’s support team has been unresponsive and has refused to offer reasons for blocking these games.
With no further opportunities on Sony consoles, Ternox Games will now concentrate on launching STONKS9800 for the Nintendo Switch and Xbox. The studio also plans to release physical editions for PC and the Nintendo Switch. Sony unilaterally terminated Ternox Games’ PlayStation developer and publisher agreement without explanation. The developer stated that while they are sorry a physical disc version for PlayStation will not be released, they will still produce physical copies for PC and Nintendo Switch. Ternox Games has expressed hope that Sony will reconsider its decision and has asked its followers to help spread the word about their situation. Without a change from Sony, Ternox Games’ future will depend on the Switch and Xbox releases of STONKS9800. PlayStation Support has not responded to Ternox Games’ emails or communications regarding the termination of their agreement. Separately, Sony has announced plans to cease manufacturing PlayStation discs in January 2028, indicating that the upcoming PlayStation 6 will be a digital-only console without support for physical game or movie releases. In June, Sony removed 551 movies from users’ libraries without issuing refunds.
Ternox Games Titles Removed from PlayStation Store Due to Shovelware Ban Controversy
Online discussions suggest Ternox Games’ library may have been inadvertently caught in an ongoing ban targeting shovelware, which aims to remove low-effort and low-budget games. This situation highlights the concept of digital ownership, where purchasing a game often grants a license rather than true ownership. Ternox Games confirmed that its existing titles are scheduled for removal from the PlayStation Store after August 23.
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Links to external sources for further reading
- PlayStation Store Set to Delist All 13 Games From STONKS-9800 DeveloperPlayStation Store Set to Delist All 13 Games From STONKS-9800 Developergaming.net
- 13 PlayStation Games Are Permanently Shutting Down13 PlayStation Games Are Permanently Shutting Downgamerant.com
- Ternox Games Will No Longer Have Any Titles On PlayStation And Isn't Sure WhyTernox Games Will No Longer Have Any Titles On PlayStation And Isn't Sure Whythegamer.com
- STONKS-9800 developer says Sony terminated their PlayStation agreement without explanation. Entire game catalog set to be delistedSTONKS-9800 developer says Sony terminated their PlayStation agreement without explanation. Entire game catalog set to be delistedautomaton-media.com