With the PlayStation 5 inching ever closer to release, it's clear Sony is looking to make some significant changes to how users access games on its brand of consoles. Fans need only look at the addition of the newly announced PlayStation Plus Collection for proof, with the service allowing players on PlayStation 5 access to a library of high-profile PlayStation 4 games when paying for a PS Plus subscription.
The company revealed another big change today through an email to its development partners, unveiling that players will no longer be able to buy a large selection of products on the PlayStation Store when accessing the digital marketplace through a computer or mobile device. According to the publisher, the change will come into effect for PC on October 19 and mobile on October 28.
On those dates, players will be prevented from purchasing any products from the PS3, PSP, and PS Vita storefronts unless they're accessed through the devices themselves. Players also won't be able to buy apps, themes, or avatars for the PlayStation 4 on either mobile or desktop either, which is a confusing addition to the lineup of restricted products. The "your wishlist" feature will be scrapped as well, with any games players added to the feature being removed.
It seems wise to imagine the decision is telegraphing a major overhaul to the PlayStation Store, likely in preparation for the arrival of the PlayStation 5. Hopefully, Sony revamps it considerably, especially seeing as the PlayStation 4's store has hardly changed over the years and could use a touch up to fix its more awkward features and clunky design. While those who used to shop for PlayStation 3, PSP, and Vita games through the web will likely find the removal to be inconvenient, the publisher has made it clear that no purchases made on the store will disappear, so the change isn't one that should affect players too much.
In the lead up to the next-generation, it seems Sony is making some significant changes all around to ensure a smooth console experience. While the general UI is still something of a mystery, new reports claim it'll look to fix the loud fan that plagued many PlayStation 4 users, while its SSD will provide unparalleled loading times and its audio will supposedly feature state of the art sound design. With the console set to launch early next month, it'll be intriguing to see whether Sony can once again establish itself as the biggest seller in the console market, with Microsoft similarly striving to develop a seamless gaming experience.
Source: IGN