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[Shin]

A bit of surprising news this evening coming from PlayStation in relation to their digital store codes and how they will be utilized in the very near future. In a leaked memo, provided to Wario64 on Twitter, by gaming retailer giant GameStop, the company is being told by Sony that they will no longer receive PlayStation Store Codes for full digital games after April 1st, 2019. This new policy goes for all worldwide retailers, including Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Amazon.

GameStop stores just got a memo saying that Sony will no longer provide full game digital download codes to retailers (not just GameStop) starting April 1st. Digital games will only be available straight from PSN after that date. Add-on content/PSN $ cards will still be available

— Wario64 (@Wario64) March 22, 2019

The memo states, “Sony has recently announced that full game digital download codes will no longer be available to purchase from other retailers worldwide effective April 1, 2019. After this date (with some specific exceptions), Sony full game downloads will only be available for purchase through the PlayStation marketplace.”

The memo goes on to state that any customer that has pre-ordered a PlayStation Store code should be encouraged to switch to a physical edition of the game.
The memo does note of two exceptions after the date, the Sony exclusive Days Gone and Mortal Kombat 11, but they will only be available for digital purchase for one week after their respective release dates.

Credit: MammothGamers
Source: https://twitter.com/Wario64/status/1109210884486754304

 

[Three]

Strange. Especially encouraging them to buy physical. Is that because they want them to buy from that retailer still instead of the PlayStation store or because something is happening with physical copies now? Maybe installing from disc includes a code and no longer requires the disc?

 

[Shin]

Their fiscal year starts on April 1st, Jim Ryan enters office on said date also.
I take that Sony doesn't want to share a piece of the pie with digital sales, but want the whole pie instead.

 

[TGO]

Their fiscal year starts on April 1st, Jim Ryan enters office on said date also.
I take that Sony doesn't want to share a piece of the pie with digital sales, but want the whole pie instead.

This is the more likely reason, the only good thing it could be would be Physical + Digital is one purchase now.
A bit like Films and Music.

 

[nikolino840]

Ok..so only phisical stores or even keys from internet?

 

[Mista]

What a dumb decision. Well, it’s Sony after all so I’m not surprised.

 

[Petrae]

Shitty move toward consumers, but that’s Sony for you these days. Market leaders tend to treat their customers like crap.

Instead of buying digital games at exactly the retail value, now you have to overspend and keep the overage on your account. You don’t get change— Sony keeps the rest of your money and sits on it until you add more money to buy something else.

 

[Winter John]

They probably decided the cost of printing them things and giving stores a cut wasn't worth it. I never saw the point of them anyway.

 

[Mistershine.]

Ok..so only phisical stores or even keys from internet?

It says it includes amazon so I guess its all non Sony outlets

Shitty move toward consumers, but that’s Sony for you these days. Market leaders tend to treat their customers like crap.

Instead of buying digital games at exactly the retail value, now you have to overspend and keep the overage on your account. You don’t get change— Sony keeps the rest of your money and sits on it until you add more money to buy something else.

That's assuming you use gift cards, I would expect the majority would have a debit card or PayPal account linked to their PSN. For those that don't however, you are correct and this is as shitty as Microsoft points back in the day.

 

[lynux3]

Don't see the issue here. How many people go to a brick and mortar to buy digital goods? Sony constantly puts on PlayStation Store sales which don't even reflect in these stores.

 

[Petrae]

That's assuming you use gift cards, I would expect the majority would have a debit card or PayPal account linked to their PSN. For those that don't however, you are correct and this is as shitty as Microsoft points back in the day.

Given the amount of identity theft/“hacking” that goes on, I wouldn’t dare link any kind of card or an active account to PSN. Much safer to buy PSN cards (or PSN currency codes) from a retailer and buy just what you need.

Buying a game download code was even more convenient. No fiddling with the messy PlayStation Store to find the game you want, and no extra cash spent— just the purchase price and that’s it. Now Sony has torpedoed that convenience, because reasons.

Don't see the issue here. How many people go to a brick and mortar to buy digital goods? Sony constantly puts on PlayStation Store sales which don't even reflect in these stores.

I do, especially when I have some games to trade in or perhaps a gift card to a store that I can use on a download code if the store is out of stock. It’s not my preferred option (physical most of the time), but I do buy digital from time to time.

 

[Fox Mulder]

I've been digital only all generation and never buy these digital codes over buying on psn. They never go on sale on Amazon from what I've seen over years. PSN has frequent deals, there's a massive one right now for no real reason.

I did buy codes on GameStop for Forza Horizon dlc on the 360 after it was delisted and removed from the service. The code was full price, but it was content you couldnt even buy from MS anymore.

 

[-MD-]

They probably decided the cost of printing them things and giving stores a cut wasn't worth it. I never saw the point of them anyway.

I assumed they were for kids without credit cards.

 

[Grinchy]

I do, especially when I have some games to trade in or perhaps a gift card to a store that I can use on a download code if the store is out of stock. It’s not my preferred option (physical most of the time), but I do buy digital from time to time.

At Gamestop, you can use your trade in money toward a PSN card. I realize there would now be an extra step, but you'd still be trading your stuff in toward a PS4 game you buy digitally.

 

[bitbydeath]

So no more empty game cases with codes inside? Sounds like a good move unless I’m missing something?

 

[Verdanth]

Pretty normal move to be honest, since you have the PS Store to buy said games most of the times at a better price.

 

[Shmunter]

How bizarre. I personally expected codes to be the focus of keeping brick and mortar games stores afloat once physical media goes the way of the dodo. If this option is nixed now, R.I.P. brick and mortar sooner than expected.

 

[The_Mike]

Sounds like they want to fully control the digital market pricings.

 

[bitbydeath]

How bizarre. I personally expected codes to be the focus of keeping brick and mortar games stores afloat once physical media goes the way of the dodo. If this option is nixed now, R.I.P. brick and mortar sooner than expected.

Isn’t it just the shitty practices like Spyro requiring to be downloaded or does America do something different with digital games? The only option we have here in Australia is to buy PSN cards and some shonky devs like Activision like to shoehorn download codes into boxes.

 

[TLZ]

Who actually goes in-store to buy a digital game? Never heard of this before. PSN credit I understand, and that's still available.

 

[Sqorin Hammerfarf]

Who actually goes in-store to buy a digital game? Never heard of this before. PSN credit I understand, and that's still available.

I’ve done it, like I’ve ordered digital games off Amazon when I had gift cards or bought them from Target when they had sales. Doesn’t happen often, but it has happened. I’m against this move, but Sony is pure stupid now.

 

[TLZ]

I’ve done it, like I’ve ordered digital games off Amazon when I had gift cards or bought them from Target when they had sales. Doesn’t happen often, but it has happened. I’m against this move, but Sony is pure stupid now.

But gift cards are different. Those are still available. They're talking about buying an actual digital version of the game in-store, if I understood this right.

 

[Shmunter]

Isn’t it just the shitty practices like Spyro requiring to be downloaded or does America do something different with digital games? The only option we have here in Australia is to buy PSN cards and some shonky devs like Activision like to shoehorn download codes into boxes.

Same, but I expected codes to replace discs.

Who actually goes in-store to buy a digital game? Never heard of this before. PSN credit I understand, and that's still available.

It’s a similar argument, why buy credit when you can top up your wallet via psn online? Why do people buy codes for PS+ or live when you can get it directly?

The reason is simple, even if just a code, it is available via a competing store. Different stores facilitate competition from which the consumer can benefit.

 

[Sqorin Hammerfarf]

But gift cards are different. Those are still available. They're talking about buying an actual digital version of the game in-store, if I understood this right.

So am I. I had an Amazon gift card for $10, which I used to buy the digital code for Hollow Knight for $10 cheaper. Amazon emailed me the code, which I redeemed on PSN.

 

[TLZ]

Same, but I expected codes to replace discs.



It’s a similar argument, why buy credit when you can top up your wallet via psn online? Why do people buy codes for PS+ or live when you can get it directly?

The reason is simple, even if just a code, it is available via a competing store. Different stores facilitate competition from which the consumer can benefit.

I've really never seen these digital versions in-store here in Sydney. Didn't know they existed. Even when I search for games online, I usually see 2 versions of the game, new and pre-owned. Never seen digital.

First I heard of this. Not that I'm interested anyway.

 

[Shmunter]

I've really never seen these digital versions in-store here in Sydney. Didn't know they existed. Even when I search for games online, I usually see 2 versions of the game, new and pre-owned. Never seen digital.

First I heard of this. Not that I'm interested anyway.

I think it’s mostly dlc at the moment, e.g. expansion for Destiny, Season Pass to COD. That sort of thing.

 

[TLZ]

So am I. I had an Amazon gift card for $10, which I used to buy the digital code for Hollow Knight for $10 cheaper. Amazon emailed me the code, which I redeemed on PSN.

Oh. Oh yes I've seen these on Amazon I believe. Are they taking them off online retailers like Amazon as well? I thought just brick and mortar.

 

[rəddəM]

Everyone pushing the wireless digital cloud streaming future and Sony going backwards, demanding physical.
That's my Sony.

 

[Sqorin Hammerfarf]

Everyone pushing the wireless digital cloud streaming future and Sony going backwards, demanding physical.
That's my Sony.

Sony isn’t pushing physical. They are telling retailers to basically not honor digital pre-orders because Sony alone is doing the digital. I suspect this will be the opening salvo of a new anti-retailer digital push we’ll hear about at E3.

 

[Shmunter]

Sony isn’t pushing physical. They are telling retailers to basically not honor digital pre-orders because Sony alone is doing the digital. I suspect this will be the opening salvo of a new anti-retailer digital push we’ll hear about at E3.

It’s true, and personally I think it sucks. But that’s one way to increase profits and appease the shareholders.

 

[ReBurn]

why buy credit when you can top up your wallet via psn online?

Some people don't have credit cards or debit cards with a bank account, or choose not to trust Sony with that information. So they buy digital copies or PSN credit with cash or they use their credit/debit cards at retailers they trust. After the Sony/PSN breach in 2011 some people just don't trust them with card data.

 

[Shmunter]

Some people don't have credit cards or debit cards with a bank account, or choose not to trust Sony with that information. So they buy digital copies or PSN credit with cash or they use their credit/debit cards at retailers they trust. After the Sony/PSN breach in 2011 some people just don't trust them with card data.

You don’t need to trust Sony, they accept PayPal

 

[Hendrick's]

The memo goes on to state that any customer that has pre-ordered a PlayStation Store code should be encouraged to switch to a physical edition of the game.

Hey Sony, get fucked.

 

[EverydayBeast]

Makes sense. Sony just wants to emphasize using the PS Store.

 

[Harlock]

This will affect Gift Cards? Because I use an US account but my credit card can´t be used in the US store. I rely on sites like PCGameSupply.

 

[Three]

This will affect Gift Cards? Because I use an US account but my credit card can´t be used in the US store. I rely on sites like PCGameSupply.

No gift cards are fine. Only digital codes for a game bought at a store.

 

[leo-j]

makes sense, they make way more money selling the games themselves on PSN, than through a third party retailer that's going to be asking for a cut to sell the games.

 

[Northeastmonk]

I've rarely bought a code for a single game. I thought the mini cards with the game's art on it were cool at Walmart and GameStop. But I most always buy credit or just use my card on file.

 

[Spukc]

Arrogant sony back at it again.
Oh well

 

[radewagon]

I'm struggling to see why gamers care? If you want digital, then buying a game directly from the PSN store is a much simpler process. The ONLY people who should care are the retailers. This does kind of suck for them. For everyone else, this is a non-issue.

And if we're being honest, this is the entire point of the all-digital gaming market. All the people who love going all-digital, are really only helping companies to tighten their grip on the control they have over their market. If this kind of move from Sony rubs you the wrong way, then stop buying digital. Digital delivery of content was never about how convenient it could be for the consumer. I expect every console maker to follow suit. It's kind of insane it took this long for the obvious shoe to drop.

EDIT: As a side note. If I could, just for a second, plug the Playstation Credit Card... I've had it for a few years now. It's a Captial One card that gives you points that can be redeemed for PSN dollars and seriously, I have not had to pay for DLC or PS Plus since I started using it. I actually get kind of mad when I have to pay actual money for digital content on the Xbox.

 

[Petrae]

I'm struggling to see why gamers care? If you want digital, then buying a game directly from the PSN store is a much simpler process. The ONLY people who should care are the retailers. This does kind of suck for them. For everyone else, this is a non-issue.

And if we're being honest, this is the entire point of the all-digital gaming market. All the people who love going all-digital, are really only helping companies to tighten their grip on the control they have over their market. If this kind of move from Sony rubs you the wrong way, then stop buying digital. Digital delivery of content was never about how convenient it could be for the consumer. I expect every console maker to follow suit. It's kind of insane it took this long for the obvious shoe to drop.

It’s not a non-issue, though, as there are some consumers who don’t trust Sony with card numbers or account numbers and prefer buying pre-paid codes instead, which are far safer. Pre-paid game download codes curb the free money Sony gets to sit on that gets left over from PSN cards.

After 2011, why anyone would trust Sony with a credit/debit card number is beyond me. Hell, I don’t trust Sony, MS, OR Nintendo with any account information.

We’ll see if MS & Nintendo follow Sony’s lead or if they identify the concern regarding such a drastic departure and remain active in the prepaid game code business.

 

[Norse]

Don't see the issue here. How many people go to a brick and mortar to buy digital goods? Sony constantly puts on PlayStation Store sales which don't even reflect in these stores.

How exactly do people buy digital as gifts now? gma n gpa don't have access to PlayStation store. Funny they didn't eliminate add-ons. Now people will buy the add-ons thinking it's the game instead. Stupid not to include everything.

Retailers should push back by not selling PlayStation since Sony removed one of the items retailers actually profit on.

 

[Petrae]

Retailers should push back by not selling PlayStation since Sony removed one of the items retailers actually profit on.

That would be awesome, actually, but Sony usually pays retailers for shelf space— so denying Sony and that money in this trying time for brick & mortar probably isn’t bright.

It would be nice to see retailers take a stand and challenge Sony, though. When Kay-Bee and other retailers told SEGA to fuck off after the selective early Saturn release in 1995 and chose not to carry Saturn (or any) SEGA stuff, it hurt the company, It’s too late right now, but refusing to carry PS5 could make things interesting.

 

[kraspkibble]

don't think i've ever bought a PS4 game code lol.

if i go into a shop it's to buy a physical game. the only codes i buy online for my PS4 are PS+ codes.

 

[Isa]

I occasionally and recently bought The Division 2 on Amazon for my m8, since Sony doesn't let me gift games to people. Its always a nice surprise to put in a code not knowing what its for and have some fun. At least I can still get PSN cards of course, but it kind of ruins the surprise. Ah well, this is far below the censorship issue for me.

I would OhNoBabyWhatisYouDoin!?.gif but that's market leaders for you.

 

[Shin]

More stores, more and potentially better deal is what competition is all about, you take away the ability to compete then there's no competition.
Basically what they are going to do is channel digital sales of full games only through PS store, you can call it greed you can also call it smart business,anti-consumer or whatever.

 

[ReBurn]

You don’t need to trust Sony, they accept PayPal

Now they just need paypal to accept cash.

 

[lynux3]

How exactly do people buy digital as gifts now? gma n gpa don't have access to PlayStation store. Funny they didn't eliminate add-ons. Now people will buy the add-ons thinking it's the game instead. Stupid not to include everything.

Retailers should push back by not selling PlayStation since Sony removed one of the items retailers actually profit on.

Grandma and grandpa buy gift cards anyways. Pushing back on the platform that gets them the most revenue is a terrible idea.

 

[Iorv3th]

Who bought digital codes for games anyways? Just buy PSN codes and pre-order the game that way. I worked at gamestop for 7 years and never sold a single digital code for a game.

Grandma and grandpa buy gift cards anyways. Pushing back on the platform that gets them the most revenue is a terrible idea.

And if they buy a gamestop gift card a person that wants digital can just convert that to a PSN card.

 

[Cert.in.Death]

Exhibit 1 for PS metamorphosing into a PaaS. What it does not indicate is if they are planning to downsize their dependence on physical media.

At the very least, Sony doesn’t want retailers undercutting their storefront prices with their own digital codes. So at the least this can be viewed as closing a loophole.