The gaming world is buzzing with confusion and disappointment as Ukrainian developer Ternox Games announced that Sony has abruptly terminated their publishing agreement, leading to the removal of all their games from the PlayStation Store after August 23rd. The move leaves fans wondering what prompted this sudden decision and casts a shadow over the future of Ternox Games’ titles on PlayStation.
Ternox Games Speaks Out: A Contract Terminated Without Explanation
The developer, known for its unique blend of gameplay and retro aesthetics, revealed the news via X (formerly Twitter) on August 16th. “Sony PlayStation unilaterally terminated my PlayStation developer and publisher agreement without giving me any reason,” the studio wrote. This means that games like Stonks-9800, a stock market simulator with an ’80s vibe, will no longer be available for purchase or download on PS5. The game, which has been in Steam Early Access since July 2023 and boasts an “overwhelmingly positive” rating, was slated to make its way to the PlayStation platform.
A One-Sided Decision: No Explanation from Sony
In a follow-up post, Ternox Games expressed frustration with PlayStation Support’s lack of communication. “They refuse to listen to my arguments or even respond to my emails in any way.” This leaves the developer, and its fans, completely in the dark about the reasons behind this drastic measure. The studio confirmed that 13 games, including titles they published for other developers, will be removed from the PlayStation Store after August 23rd.
Future Plans Scrapped: No PS5 Release or Physical Edition
Ternox Games had ambitious plans for the future. “I had hoped to release the PS5 version in 2027 and make a physical disc edition while that was still possible,” the studio lamented. “Sadly, that will not happen.” While they remain committed to creating a physical edition for PC and Nintendo Switch, the loss of the PlayStation platform is a significant blow.
Speculation and Controversy: Shovelware Crackdown?
The sudden removal has sparked intense speculation online. While Ternox Games’ titles are far from shovelware, some believe that Sony’s stricter guidelines on shovelware and the company’s stated intent to remove as many of these games as possible may have played a role in this decision. This incident adds fuel to the fire surrounding Sony’s recent moves, particularly its controversial plan to stop producing physical PlayStation discs in January 2028.
Community Response: Outrage and Calls for Reconsideration
The gaming community has reacted with a mix of outrage and disappointment. Every post and video the company puts out are comments from netizens decrying Sony’s decision. The incident highlights growing concerns about Sony’s control over its platform and the potential impact on independent developers. It’s come to the point where over 220,000 people have signed a petition urging the company to change its mind.
Source: GameSpot
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