Digital Storefronts
Ongoing coverage on Digital Storefronts.
Latest coverage
Steam Game Caught Using Fake Discount Tactics to Fool Shoppers
A Steam user discovered that the game Crime Scene Cleaner appears to be using deceptive discount tactics by inflating its base price before applying a sale. The "40% off" sale price was only slightly lower than the original price, raising concerns about similar practices on the platform and the lack of clear reporting mechanisms for such issues.
Sony is aggressively wiping out leech games to keep the PlayStation catalog tidy
Sony has begun aggressively removing low-quality "shovelware" titles from the PlayStation Store, including the entire catalogs of publishers like GoGame Console Publisher, VRCForge Studios, and Welding Byte. This initiative, part of a broader commitment to safer gaming with Xbox and Nintendo, aims to improve the storefront experience, though the problem of low-effort games reappearing under new names persists.
Sony removes a selection of 'spam' games from its storefront as it continues its battle against shovelware
Sony has removed numerous 'shovelware' games from the PlayStation Store, including titles like Water Blast Shooter - Wet Gun and Jesus Simulator. This action is part of Sony's ongoing effort to combat low-quality and potentially AI-generated games, following criticism regarding the storefront's quality control.
Blockchain-powered digital storefront Robot Cache is closing – and yoinking users’ games
The blockchain-powered digital games storefront Robot Cache is reportedly shutting down after 30 days, with users unable to access or play games purchased through the platform. The decline in cryptocurrency value is cited as a major factor, and the platform's integration with its store infrastructure means games will become unplayable even if downloaded.
PS Store Users Warned Against New Scam Game Amid Crackdown
PlayStation 5 users are being warned about a new scam game, SWAT Commander Simulator, which has appeared in the PS Store Demos section. The game, published by Tetyana Vysochanska, is a clone of a PC title and has evaded Sony's recent crackdown on low-quality shovelware. Players are advised to be cautious, especially if a full-priced version is released.
Fake Uncharted and Jesus Simulator removed from PS5 store in shovelware purge
Sony has begun a purge of the PlayStation Store to remove shovelware and AI-generated games, with titles like 'Jesus Simulator' and a game previously featuring 'Uncharted' assets being removed. Despite these efforts, the article questions the effectiveness of Sony's content moderation and the continued presence of low-quality titles on the platform.
'Blockchain-powered' game storefront reportedly shutting down and taking customers' games with it
Robot Cache, a blockchain-powered digital game storefront launched in 2018, is reportedly shutting down. The platform aimed to allow users to resell games after finishing them, but failed to gain sufficient traction. An email purportedly from the Robot Cache Team confirmed the difficult decision to close the store due to a lack of user base and sales.
PS Store Gets Long Overdue Update PS5, PS4 Users Begged For
Sony has updated the PlayStation Store, removing hundreds of shovelware and scam games from publishers like GoGame Console Publisher, VRCForge, and Welding Byte. This marks the third such update this year, indicating Sony's increased seriousness in cleaning up its digital storefronts for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 users.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 delisted on the Nintendo Switch eShop
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 has been delisted from the Nintendo Switch eShop. This means the game is no longer available for purchase digitally on the platform.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 delisted on the Nintendo Switch eShop
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 has been delisted from the Nintendo Switch eShop. The article also mentions ongoing sales on various action-adventure, fighting, RPG, shooter, and simulation games across multiple platforms, including Digimon Survive and Persona 5 Royal.
Sony Delists 100s More Crappy PS5, PS4 Games, Including Jesus Simulator
Sony has delisted hundreds of low-quality games from the PlayStation Store, including titles like Jesus Simulator and Card Shop Game Store: TCG Simulator. This move is part of an ongoing effort to remove cash grabs and potentially deceptive titles from the digital storefronts for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.
RobotCache Closing; Customers Losing Games
Online videogame store RobotCache is set to close within 30 days, with its website currently experiencing errors. Customers may lose access to their purchased games as the platform shuts down.
Sony Makes Stealth Change to PS Store Games, Users Concerned
Sony has introduced a 30-day 'Valid Period' for digital game purchases on the PlayStation Store, causing concern among PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 users. The exact meaning of this change is unclear, with theories suggesting it relates to license checks, and Sony Support has provided unhelpful responses.
Console-Exclusive Narrative Adventures on the Horizon
Console-exclusive narrative adventures are thriving due to advancements in graphics, motion capture, and interactive storytelling, rivaling film production. Publishers leverage timed exclusivity deals to highlight platform strengths and drive sales, with digital storefronts like Eneba facilitating player access to these story-rich experiences.
The Steam Store Is Getting a Refresh With New Sections and More
Valve has announced a refresh for the Steam store, introducing a redesigned landing page with new sections for game discovery and information. The update, currently available in the Steam beta, aims to create a more cohesive store experience with improved recommendation details and user review summaries. New features include dedicated Wishlist and DLC sections, along with options to disable certain animated marketing assets.
PS5, PS4 Games Including Sega Title Quietly Delisted From PS Store
Sega's Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – The Official Video Game and Richman 10 have been delisted from the PlayStation Store for both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The delistings occurred without prior notice, impacting players' ability to purchase the digital versions of these titles.
Steam's upcoming homepage overhaul makes finding new games so much easier
Valve is overhauling Steam's homepage to make it easier for users to discover new games amidst a growing library and an influx of AI-generated content. The update will provide more information on why games are recommended, include micro-trailers, and streamline the Discovery Queue. New sections for wishlisted items and DLC will also be added.
Steam-butikens landningssida får ny design
Valve has released a beta version of a redesigned Steam store landing page, aiming to improve game discovery with a wider, more responsive layout and higher resolution game images. The update introduces features like "micro-trailers" on hover and an integrated discovery queue, with ongoing beta testing to refine the user experience.
Lords of the Fallen 2 Release Date May Have Leaked via Developer Listing
A potential release date for Lords of the Fallen 2 on PC may have been revealed through a developer listing, indicating an Epic Games Store exclusivity. The article criticizes this decision, suggesting it will negatively impact sales and the developer's financial success due to the platform's perceived lack of marketing.
Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Has Been Delisted From Switch eShop
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 has been delisted from the Nintendo Switch eShop in North America, Japan, and Australia, with other regions expected to follow. SEGA confirmed the delisting, likely due to the expiration of official Olympic licenses. While physical copies remain available and the game can be redownloaded by existing owners, this marks the end of the Mario & Sonic crossover series on the Switch.
