Sony to End PlayStation Stars Loyalty Program
After three years of operation, Sony has announced the closure of its PlayStation Stars loyalty program. This free initiative allowed gamers to earn Points that could be exchanged for games, PSN wallet funds, digital collectibles, and other rewards through the PS App on mobile devices.
What Led to the Decision?
In a statement regarding this decision, PlayStation shared insights gained from observing player engagement with various activities. “Since launching the program, we've learned a lot from evaluating the types of activities our players respond best to,” they noted. The company emphasized its commitment to evolving alongside player preferences and industry trends. As part of this evolution, they have decided to wind down the current version of PlayStation Stars while continuing to analyze key findings for future improvements.
Timeline for Changes
The shutdown process will begin on May 21 when no new members will be accepted into the program. Current members can still earn Points and digital collectibles until July 23; after that date, these features will no longer be available. However, users will have until November 2, 2026, to redeem any Points they have accumulated during their time in the program.
A Glimpse into Future Possibilities
The announcement hints at potential changes ahead as it mentions “this version of PlayStation Stars” ending in late 2026. This phrasing suggests that Sony may be planning an updated or entirely new loyalty initiative based on what they've learned from this experience.
The Mixed Reception of PlayStation Stars
The introduction of PlayStation Stars was met with mixed feelings among gamers. On one hand, many found value in earning Points if they were regular console users or subscribed to PS Plus services. For example, even though my gaming time has decreased recently-especially on my PlayStation-I managed to accumulate nearly 4,000 Points without much effort! That's enough for about $15 in PSN credit or virtual currency usable in popular titles like EA Sports FC 25, Apex Legends, and even indie gems like Vampire Survivors (1,250 Points) or Phasmophobia (2,500 Points).
On the other hand, some aspects felt off-putting-particularly regarding Digital Collectibles which resembled NFTs but lacked substance. These were essentially virtual items displayed on a shelf within the app rather than meaningful additions for players' experiences. While certain collectibles celebrated iconic moments from gaming history-like those featuring franchises such as Gran Turismo, Ratchet & Clank, or Toro “Sony Cat” Inoue-others seemed less appealing; one notable example being a bobblehead commemorating former controversial head Jim Ryan.
A Call-to-Action for Existing Members
If you signed up before today's announcement went live-and especially if you've been actively participating-it's worth maximizing your benefits while you still can! Take advantage of your remaining opportunities before everything wraps up completely.
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