Sony Ends ps Stars Loyalty Program
The program's demise is a result of its inability to integrate with the console experience, and its technical issues, with Sony focusing on evaluating and building upon the program's learnings to explore new options for players, and the company's decision to end the program will likely have significant implications for the gaming industry and PS5 owners.
Sony is shutting down its PlayStation Stars loyalty program, which allowed players to earn points and digital collectibles, less than three years after its launch, with the program stopping new member sign-ups on May 21, 2025, and ceasing all campaigns and benefits on July 23, 2025.
The program was criticized for its lack of integration with the console experience, with players unable to access quests or show off collectibles on PS4 or PS5, and has undergone significant changes over time, including the expiration of points after 12 months and the removal of PlayStation Plus membership as a points-eligible purchase. Existing benefits will end on November 2, 2026, and any remaining points will be wiped out, while collectibles earned through the program will remain on players' virtual shelves until the app stops working.
PlayStation vice president Grace Chen cited evolving player and industry trends as the reason for the shutdown, stating that the company will continue to evaluate and build upon the program's learnings, although no replacement for the program was mentioned. The move comes after a year of technical issues, including a weeks-long outage, and the removal of digital currency options, with Sony claiming it will use the data from the program to "explore new options" for players.
The shutdown of the PlayStation Stars loyalty program marks the end of an era for PS5 owners, who will no longer be able to earn points and digital collectibles through the program, and it remains to be seen how Sony will build upon the program's learnings to provide new rewards and benefits for its players in the future.