Sony removes free game from PlayStation users’ library

Sony has removed a free game from PlayStation users’ library, two months after PS4 and PS5 players jumped on a PSN error and claimed the game that is normally locked behind a PlayStation Store purchase for free. Since the PSN error occurred two months ago, many thought they were out of danger, as in similar situations in the past, revocations happened within 24-48 hours. It’s unclear exactly what happened this time, but obviously two months is more than enough time for those who capitalized on the mistake to play and beat the game in question, which happens to be one of the best games of 2016.

More precisely, on October 17, thanks to a PSN problem, the stealth tactics game from Mimimi Productions and Daedalic Entertainment, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogunwas free to claim for a few hours, allowing many to claim the PS4 and PS5 game that normally costs $40. Hours after the PSN problem was discovered and word spread, Sony shut it down. Many thought the downloads would be revoked within a day or two, but that never happened. Fast forward two months, and now Sony has canceled the downloads. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun takes around 25-30 hours to beat, so the normal 24-48 hour window probably wasn’t going to be enough time for the vast majority of PS4 and PS5 users to complete the somewhat lengthy game. However, two months means that anyone who wanted to view it for free, thanks to the glitch, could do so.

Sony hasn’t said what happened

It’s unclear whether Sony compensated Daedalic Entertainment for the PSN issue, as it hasn’t said a word about the whole affair, which also means we have no idea what went wrong. That said, it happens several times a year, so it’s not that unique. What is unique is that Sony is waiting – or taking – this long to revoke those who exploited the issue.

That said, those who were able to take advantage of the deal got one of the best stealth games of the 2010s. Unfortunately, Mimimi Productions has since closed its doors, so we’ll never get a sequel. That said, it still works, despite this, and nine years later. To that end, it’s currently on sale for $4, down from $40.

All that being said, and as always, feel free to leave a comment to let us know what you think, or join the conversation on the ComicBook forum.