Sony has announced the shutdown of PlayStation Stars, its experimental loyalty program that rewarded players with points for digital purchases and virtual collectibles. While the initiative had potential, its execution fell short, leading to its eventual termination less than three years after launch.
Key Dates for the Program’s Closure
From May 21, 2025, PlayStation Stars will no longer accept new members, and those who leave won’t be able to rejoin. By July 23, 2025, all active campaigns and rewards will cease. The program will officially close on November 2, 2026, at which point any remaining points will expire.
Grace Chen from Sony explained that the decision came after evaluating player engagement and industry trends. She mentioned that while the current version of PlayStation Stars is winding down, the company will use these insights to refine future offerings.
What Happens to Collected Rewards?
Players who earned digital collectibles can still display them on their virtual shelves—at least until the app becomes incompatible with newer devices. However, those who purchased collectibles during the NFT boom may feel short-changed, as the program’s abrupt end renders their investments obsolete.
Why PlayStation Stars Failed to Shine
Despite offering a 4% rebate on PlayStation Store purchases, the program struggled to gain traction. A major drawback was its lack of integration with PlayStation consoles—players couldn’t track quests or showcase collectibles directly on their PS4 or PS5.
When the service went offline for a month last year, few noticed, highlighting its minimal impact. While PlayStation once led in console ecosystem innovation, recent years have seen it fall behind competitors in areas like rewards and social features. With the PS5’s popularity, players deserved a more polished and engaging loyalty program.