Sony has announced a free to join loyalty scheme for fans named PlayStation Stars, which will offer rewards including PS Store wallet funds and games. The initiative – scheduled to launch later this year – will see you earning rewards by completing campaigns and playing specific games.
Writing on the PS Blog, company bigwig Grace Chen elaborated: “Our ‘Monthly Check-In’ campaign simply requires you to play any game to receive a reward, while other campaigns require you to win tournaments, earn specific Trophies, or even be the first player to Platinum a blockbuster title in your local time zone.” To be clear, it sounds like PS Stars will be available worldwide, and not just in the USA.
“All PS Stars members will have opportunities to earn loyalty points,” Chen continued. “Points can be redeemed in a catalogue that may include PSN wallet funds and select PS Store products. As an additional benefit, PS Plus members enrolled in PS Stars automatically earn points for purchases on PS Store.”
This all sounds a little bit like Nintendo and Microsoft’s similar offerings, where you can earn points from playing games and completing missions to trade for various items and goodies. One additional wrinkle of PS Stars is that there’ll be “digital collectibles” up for grabs, which aren’t to be confused with NFTs or anything to do with the blockchain. Sony is eager to dismiss that comparison.
“Collectibles are as diverse as our portfolio of products and franchises,” Chen said. “They are digital representations of things that PlayStation fans enjoy, including figurines of beloved and iconic characters from games and other forms of entertainment, as well as cherished devices that tap into Sony’s history of innovation.”
According to Chen, the platform holder is running some tests right now before it rolls out the initiative later in the year. “We hope this new programme brings to mind past gaming memories while making you excited for the future with PlayStation: commemorating the gaming eras we created together, charting new paths to explore, and bringing players together for global celebrations,” she concluded.
It sounds like a good idea to us, we’ve always liked rewards initiatives and honestly it’s odd that it’s taken this long for Sony to offer one of its own. But is this something you’d sign up for? Be a star in the comments section below.
[source blog.playstation.com]
Comments 97
Suspect this will be the beginning of the end for shops like cdkeys and shopto selling PSN vouchers.
I really like the sound of this.
Sounds like a neat program and will definitely encourage people to try new and more games and play longer
So basically Xbox rewards
This sounds great to me
No doubt people will moan that it offers very little at the end of the day, or that they are copying XBOX rewards, but it's free, and it encourages play.
Bring it on
Sounds cool hopefully like Microsoft rewards wouldn't be surprised if it's similar as in the challenges and rewards are from playing games they add to ps premium/extra that month. Also always thought it would be cool to have rewards for getting the platinum on games.
I've always wanted a reward program for getting platinum trophies in games.
I’d prefer the situation I had on 360 where I just had to do surveys online. I have limited time already to play, I’m not going to be pushed into playing games I don’t like (they’ll probably be online multiplayer rubbish I imagine, or new games that are £70 to buy!).
Now if it where to just play any game or get any trophies, that’s more interesting.
So basically what Nintendo Online and Microsoft already has.
Sounds good to me. Pleased they seem to be moving forward in their approach lately.
@Martsmall Yup! MS does the same exact thing with Game Pass Quests and Microsoft Rewards
"Sony has announced a free to join loyalty scheme for fans named PlayStation Stars, which will be free to join..."
Guess you really wanted to emphasize that 'free to join' bit, huh?
Anyway, this is smart. GP Quests/Microsoft Rewards, which this is clearly modeled after, are a really effective way of driving user engagement. They get me to interact with Xbox services in some way every single day as of late.
At least it’s not NFTs. It did sound like NFTs.
Did they specifically say it's not NFT's? I didn't think they'd go anywhere near that but I couldn't find the confirmation in the blog post.
First half sounds like NFTs, the rest sounds like anything MS and Nintendo already have.
Yeah, this sounds more like MS Rewards, which is great, so I don’t mind them copying from that. Still TBD how generous it is. Only thing I like more about MS is being able to earn things outside of Xbox like searches and quizzes on Bing. But looking forward to seeing how “rewarding” this one is.
Ive always thought Sony should do some sort of rewards program. I love this kind of stuff, Microsoft rewards paid for my series X and my game pass and an average of £20 a month in credit.
while the Sony offering might not be the same sort of value something's better than nothing
Cool idea and program but I bet the rewards will be meaningless
Sounds a lot like the Microsoft rewards, I regularly use that to get vouchers so it'll be nice to have a version on Playstation
So it's a Playstation flavoured MS Rewards nice
This is a good option for PlayStation I wanted this on PlayStation
@trev666 ms rewards is keeping me in Gamepass for free if this could do the same I'd stay subbed to PS+
Wishful thinking but I hope they reward your past achievements and games purchased. I’ve got a library of nearly 500 games purchased on ps4/ps5.
@Ralizah Haha, I edited that.
@Zombie9ers Unlikely it will be retroactive, although they may very well acknowledge long-time fans in some way.
@solocapers It depends on how generous these rewards are. Wonder how long it would take to get enough points for a full price new game?
This is an unexpected bonus though.
I'll sign up instantly!
Already bored of the xbots claiming Sony can't find original ideas. When will we stop caring about that kinda thing? It's not like games with gold wasn't 'inspired' by the original ps plus (essential)
I knew being a trophy hunter would become useful eventually 🤣🤣
This is excellent news. MS rewards really is the unsung hero of gamepass on Xbox. This year alone I’ve got 50’000 points so far…which is probably like £35? It can easily get addicting collecting those points, knowing you’re making some money for very little effort. Equally as important though rewards have made games so much more engaging than achievements alone. They’ve prompted me to try so many games I would have never…and I’ve ended up discovering ones I’ve really enjoyed.
This is definitely the right step for PlayStation. Even Nintendo has a rewards point system.
This looks good, imo.
Having a XBX, it's so cool to play some GP games and win some points, which you can later redeem in form of cash. I think Sony is making a nice move with this.
On the other hand, and this is in no way a complaint, it seems that lately Sony has been "following" rather than "leading".
Although this sounds great, I would like to see, in the future, new programs/ideas/projects from Sony, the kind that would revolutionize (again) the industry.
I always thought you should get rewards for getting the Platinum trophy in a game (an exclusive skin for the game or something?). Sony used to give you a free Avatar if you unlocked the Platinum trophy in their first party games but not sure if they still do?
@GagaOooLaLa I think Spiderman had one (which I never got annoyingly) horizon zero dawn had an avatar and a theme too.
This'll sell a ton more of those sub-£2 easy platinums.
Nice.
MS Rewards is handy for building up credit, can't see a downside to PS having a similar thing. Couldn't care less if it's a direct copy, if it gives me a chance to get some easy funds like MSR then I'm all for it.
Nice, finally! Really hope it’s going to be like Microsoft Rewards.
Sounds great and I've been looking something like this for a long time now. Only thing I'm not fond of is this part
"be the first player to Platinum a blockbuster title in your local time zone"
That sounds like most of us won't stand a chance as some people get their games early. Maybe it would have been better if they pick a random winner from players that got it in the first week of launch?
@daveofduncan yeah, I got the rewards for Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn and God of War.
I think you get an exclusive dye for your armour in Ghost of Tsushima (but no Avatar/Wallpaper).
I don’t think I got anything for Astro’s Playroom, Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart or Horizon Forbidden West and I got the platinum for all of those games.
Cool i hopefully can save up for a dualsense that doesnt click when the analog sticks go from left to right.
@Teddie-bear I think that's just an example. There'll obviously be many ways to earn rewards.
Great news, I take advantage of Microsoft rewards, so to have something similar on my ps5 is awesome
They should have called this PlayStation all-stars
I have very little faith Sony will give decent rewards.
"The catalogue MAY include PSN wallet funds and select PS Store products" But i'm almost certain it will be 95% digital tat like Nintendo's reward program. Though at least you get a digital discount there
Lol well it about time. I've always wanted something more for when I plat a game instead of just a trophy. Like an avatar set or theme or something. The digital figures sound pretty cool too
Sounds like this replaces what they had on Sony Rewards. About time they rolled out a proper rewards program. Have always envied the Microsoft Rewards Xbox has had.
it's a way to incentive people buying stuff and not waiting for the games to drop on psn plus extra.
Sounds kinda lame. But Club Nintendo and Game Pass Rewards are pretty lame, so maybe it's just the association.
All this seems fun enough for young gamers. Unless the monetary compensation is worth whatever extra effort its "quests" ask of, though, I won't even pay attention to the thing.
Intrigued about this, but will it become another Sony initiative that doesn’t make it outside of the USA
Hope they backdate it if you get them for Platinum trophies.
@Fuzzymonkeyfunk
Just wish it was retroactive!
This sounds pretty cool. I'll definitely sign up for it.
@Mikey856 PlayStation Twitter accounts for Canada, Europe, UK, Australia, and probably more have all tweeted about it. So I would think that means it's coming to those regions as well, not just USA.
Sony could use this to relaunch a new version of PS Home. Instead of creating an Avatar, they could release a line of code devs can inject into their games to allow their character models to be exported to the Home world allowing gamers to play as their choice of skin.
Rather than some IAP the only requirement for skin unlocks would be owning the requisite game eg you want to play as your in-game Aloy just buy HFW.
Sounds good to me. 👍🏻
Once again I see the other site goes on with their little console war about whatever PlayStation does. Every time. 🥁🎺🙄
This was definitely overdue, the closest I could remember was either PlayStation Underground with their free demo discs and goodies and the short time where each platinum obtained could be redeemed for a $10 voucher.
First thing I thought of was NFTs.. But according to Sony it's not NFTs so that is definitely a relief. (for now). But it's nice to see Sony jumping onto the train with a program like this. Guessing it won't be any massive or crazy rewards. But eh, small things just for gaming? Sure, why not. Works for Nintendo.
Thats cool.as someone who been with PlayStation since day 1 on September 9 1995 in new york.thats nice sony is doing this.earning rewards for playing campaign etc is a nice gesture by sony.word up son
Good news. It is about time we get loyalty program like other platforms
@Americansamurai1 Not gonna lie when I saw this trending on twitter I thought Sony wised up and there was going to be a PlayStation All-Star Battles revival, sad to hear lol.
@WadeIsInsane we can still dream.
Please give me NFTs
Going to be interested to see how this shakes out. I've been gaming since '09 and I platinum or 100% basically everything I play. Sounds promising!
Ubisoft (and perhaps other developers) have something like this for their games where you earn online rewards points through doing in-game tasks, and these points can be used to unlock cosmetics or virtual accessories within their games. I’m playing Immortals now and I do admit it has helped a little bit with the engagement.
Sounds great! As someone that is primarily a PS player, and that likes collecting trophies as a sideline (I'll try and get all the gongs in games I'm actively playing, but I'm not buying games for trophies).
So on that note hopefully there is some meaningful thought to the rewards, and not just "if you get 50 platinum in a week...!) etc
And being the first to platinum a game is great for some crazy speedrunners, but again only gives prizes to that one person... The winning selection needs to be wider than that imho
@thefourfoldroot1 I wish 108 platinums and I might get a nice store discount 😉
I've never had any desire to platinum games, unless it happens by accident by just playing and enjoying it, which it very rarely does.
And now...
I still have no desire to platinum games, unless it happens organically 😁
I don't ever want my gaming sessions to feel like busy work. And I warn off people who may start to change their habits because of this now, just enjoy your gaming however you currently enjoy it, don't get wrapped up in some great endeavour to get a few extra points if you won't enjoy the time you spend doing it.
However, I love that a good number of people do enjoy their trophy hunting currently, and this will reward something they already do. So that's cool if it works that way.
And if it finally rewards us gamers for the thousands of pounds/dollars etc we've each pumped into PlayStation products and services then that will be cool too 😅
@thefourfoldroot1 I doubt it but it would be a nice incentive, at least trophy hunters can say that trophy hunting has a meaning now 👍👍
Glad it's coming to UK and EU too.
@get2sammyb Is this the 3rd "loyalty" program Playstation has had? I got a pair of boxer shorts about 15 years ago and I remember points about 5 years ago.
Boxers may have been "Playstation Underground" which may have been US only.
Do you remember "PS Underground" @playstation1995 ?
Great cant wait, if its like the xbox game rewards then that will be good, and at least i can earn some points while going on a spending spree on the sales lol
@Martsmall who cares? You want to start this childish stupid comparison who did what first?
@rjejr Those were US only.
@JJ2 playstation will forever be living in their heads rent free
Thanks again uncle Phil, Jim has some ideas too......promise😬
@Martsmall that's like saying gamepass is just playstation now, since now launched two years before gamepass and had pc streaming as well.
Also Nintendo were the first console to offer rewards.
Xbox aren't the innovaters everyone thinks they are
Wow so basically trophies but there's a reason to do it. Hmm good idea.
Awesome I will sign up because why not? I am already invested in the PlayStation Ecosystem so I may as well earn rewards as well.
@rjejr. Oh yeah definitely. Do you still drink wilkins ☕ coffee.haha.😄😂😃😊.word up son
Took them long enough they've had a rewards program for ages but it's only available in the US , Microsoft rewards is great I've got a bunch of games I wanted for free from using that
@playstation1995 Only decaf, getting old sux. 😝
@get2sammyb You say that like I should know about other regions. 😉 thx
Play games and win a free pen or keychain.
no thanks, this is a scheme.
Nice subheading indeed.
I mean, it's a blatant rip-off of MS Rewards, but that's a very good thing! I got a Free Series X from MS Rewards on launch day and I'm over 2/3rd of the way towards another one.. Just waiting for a Series X Slim or Pro announcement before cashing in!
Very much looking forward to seeing how thos works. It's honestly something like this that will keep me subscribed th PS Premium when my sub comes to an end in March..
@Codecat3 Same here I'll definitely sign up for it, just seems like their replacement for Sony Rewards.
This can be great indeed.
@CielloArc @nessisonett I guess if they clearly say its not NFT's is not enough for some people.
Great. Hope it'll be as good as Microsoft rewards. I easily earn enough points each month to pay for pc gamepass.
@solocapers what kind of a moron would want an end to competitive pricing??... looks like I found one.
@RoomWithaMoose they will give you credit for games you buy on the store that goes towards new games you wanna buy!!!??? Where were you when brains were being handed out??
@warrenflatt Its ok it's only for smart people, you're fine.
Anyone on here who's dumb enough to pray for MSs demise should drop to your knees and thank them, because without their amazing service we wouldnt get half this stuff. Better late than never.
@Woods-PS Why are you angry? They didn't fully detail how you earn, how much you earn, or what exactly you can redeem it for. We know you get points for doing stuff and can redeem them for stuff, but without the specifics I'm not going to get excited.
On Switch, Nintendo gives back 5% of eShop purchases towards whatever else one might want in the eShop. It's cool... Doesn't really get me leaping with joy, or anything. They also have physical rewards and a whole mission systems across their entire ecosystem (phone games and such included). Pretty much sounds like what Sony's going to do, and it's lame regardless of who's doing it. As I said, fun for the youngins. Not for me. The free money is appreciated, but still...kinda lame. It's really just a ploy to get people to spend more, anyway.
Seriously though, why are you calling everyone dumb? Seems excessive to me...
@Woods-PS Quite the opposite little man. Calling people dumb when you don't even understand fully what people are saying.
Might want to get your mummy to make you and bring down some 'brain food' when she comes down to your basement.
If memory serves, MS's similar service only really offered mostly negligible rewards for substantial game time or commitments. It's to be expected, of course, but it's not something I can say I'm all that excited about solely based on that fact alone.
@RoomWithaMoose @solocapers Don't mind them, he literally just came back from last year just to bash people in this article lol.
So sony's new business model is copy xbox. #tryharder
@GagaOooLaLa Yes I got several after I got the platinum in Ratchitt and Clank Rift Apart last week
@Victor_Meldrew ....said no one ever
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