Edited By
Julia Forester

As the gaming community gears up for Rustโs new console edition, PlayStation players are raising concerns about missing out on early access. On June 18, developers Double Eleven announced that players would not receive promised upgrades due to licensing issues with Sony.
Rust Console was initially released in 2021 for older consoles but is phasing into a new edition exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series S/X. On May 28, 2025, Double Eleven published details about a free upgrade path from older editions to the new version, allowing players to upgrade to higher tiers by paying a fee.
However, many PS players soon learned that those with the deluxe and ultimate editions would not receive early access, and standard edition users are barred from upgrading at all.
"PlayStationโs licensing pipeline is causing this delay," stated a PS support representative, adding fuel to the fire of frustration among affected players.
Players voiced their disappointment, feeling misled by the early upgrade announcements. One comment summed it up: "This feels like a classic bait-and-switch!" The discontent is tangible, especially given Xbox users reported no such limitations.
Interestingly, Double Eleven began as a PlayStation exclusive studio, raising questions about their evolving relationship with Sony.
Access Issues: PS players expected seamless upgrades but now face setbacks.
Exclusive Features: Many feel cheated out of content promised to their editions.
Platform Fairness: Xbox continues to enjoy an uninterrupted upgrade process.
Though developers aim to clarify matters, many are alarmed by the implications:
"Surely this goes against some sort of consumer rights law?" raises a user questioning the fairness of the situation.
๐บ PlayStation players may miss early access until June 26.
๐ Licensing issues hinder upgrades for standard users.
๐จ๏ธ **"They're pushing people to switch to Xbox, who are handling this right."
This ongoing situation highlights the frustration among PlayStation players who feel sidelined in an important upgrade cycle for Rust. As developers navigate these issues, the gaming community will be watching closely.
Thereโs a strong chance Double Eleven will eventually resolve these licensing issues, leading to a potential shift in upgrade policies for PlayStation users. Industry experts estimate around a 70% probability of seeing some adjustments by late June 2025, especially given the backlash from the community. This might include expanded access to upgrades or tailored compensation for those affected. Additionally, the evolving relationship between Double Eleven and Sony suggests a need for better communication, as a smoother process could benefit future game releases and restore trust among players.
One striking parallel can be drawn to the way blockbuster films sometimes restrict access to exclusive content based on specific platforms, much like video game upgrades. Consider the early days of streaming services, where certain movies or shows were limited to specific platforms, frustrating viewers who just wanted to enjoy the content. Just as fans rallied for changes, hoping for a more equitable viewing experience, PlayStation players might find their voices amplified in the wake of this Rust upgrade debacle. The lesson here is clear: players, like viewers, deserve fair treatment, and their collective outcry could drive necessary changes in the gaming landscape.