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Play station's ongoing licensing issues with essential games?

Licensing Issues | PlayStation Plus Users Frustrated by Ongoing Problems

By

Jamal Clarke

Jun 6, 2025, 06:43 AM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

2 minutes of duration

A visual representation of PlayStation Plus Essential and Extra game tiers showing various game icons
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PlayStation Plus users are calling out the ongoing licensing issues that have left many without access to games they once played. Tension among subscribers is building as reports of lost access continue to surface after titles transition between tiers.

Sources confirm that the licensing confusion primarily affects users on the Essential and Extra tiers. One user shared their story of enjoying Wreckfest with a friend, but when the game was removed from Extra, access disparities emerged. While the first user retained access, their friend could not, despite being a subscriber: "PlayStation support just told him, 'tough luck, your license got removed.'"

Unresolved Controversy Surrounding Licenses

According to comments from various users, the licensing system appears to be outdated. "The licensing system is the same archaic system that was introduced with the PS3 store and never got modernized," one user noted, highlighting the frustration regarding its implementation on PS Plus.

  1. Overwriting Issues: Some users warned about the potential for the Extra tier to overwrite games they purchased.

  2. Historical Context: Disturbingly, stories about lost access are not new. Gamers report similar experiences stretching back several months.

  3. Support Responses: Many are dissatisfied with how PlayStation support handles these issues, leading to a growing distrust.

"I had EA Play a few years ago I called Sony support, explained what had happened, and they said there was nothing they could do" - frustrated user.

This ongoing situation raises questions about PlayStation's commitment to supporting its loyal customer base. As users reminisce about past difficulties, some are considering downgrading their subscriptions or abandoning them altogether.

Community Reactions

While many express dissatisfaction, a few are content maintaining their current subscriptions. However, the overall sentiment leans strongly toward frustration, highlighting a crisis in trust between PlayStation and its consumers.

Key Points to Consider:

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Frustration about unchanged licensing systems continues to mount.

  • โš ๏ธ Users warn that transitioning tiers could lead to greater loss of access.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "This is why I downgraded back to Essential," one user remarked.

The rising discontent could have lasting implications for PlayStation's reputation if these licensing issues remain unresolved. Will the gaming giant take action to modernize its systems and restore faith in its services? Only time will tell.

Uncharted Roads Ahead

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that PlayStation may need to rethink its licensing approach as user dissatisfaction continues to grow. Experts estimate that if complaints persist, there could be internal pressure for a system overhaul within the next year. Many users might consider downgrading or canceling their subscriptions permanently, leading to a significant revenue dip. Given the competitive nature of the gaming market, itโ€™s likely that PlayStation will face increased competition from rivals who prioritize consumer experience. If theyโ€™re to maintain subscriber loyalty, addressing these licensing flaws becomes imperative, making a timely resolution essential for their reputation.

Echoes from the Baseball Diamond

In many ways, this situation mirrors the controversies that surrounded Major League Baseball in the late 1990s, when fans faced sudden shifts in ticket pricing and access to games. Just like how loyal baseball fans contemplated shifting loyalties to rival teams as a response to their frustrations, current PlayStation users are weighing their options amid growing dissatisfaction. With trust eroding, gamers may seek alternatives, much like fans stepping away from a team that stops supporting its core supporters. In both scenarios, the underlying issue is a failure to evolve and adapt to the very audience that keeps the game alive.