PSN cards unaffected
Following speculation from Twitter guru Wario64, Sony Interactive Entertainment has confirmed to multiple sources that it will no longer be stocking digital codes for games at retail outlets. The initial news from Wario64 this weekend came from a scan of a GameStop employee memo that stated Sony would be ceasing the sale of full game download codes to the chain starting on April 1, 2019 (the start of the fiscal year). Details were a little scarce, but we now have a better picture of what will be happening moving forward.
Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, a Sony Interactive spokesperson stated, “I can confirm that as of April 1, 2019, we will no longer be offering full games through SIE’s Global Digital at Retail program. The decision was made in order to align key businesses globally. To support full games and premium editions, SIE will introduce increased denominations at select retailers. DLC, add-ons, virtual currency, and season passes will still be available.” The same memo was issued to Eurogamer, as well.
As for current codes out in the wild, those are expected to expire at the end of the month. Sony has urged anyone with a digital pre-order to have that changed to a physical one ASAP. The only exceptions to this policy shift are Mortal Kombat 11 and Days Gone (likely due to them releasing at the end of April). How long those codes will be active for is unknown.
Sony pulls full game download codes from all stores [GamesIndustry.biz]
Wario64 [Twitter]
Sony confirms it will no longer provide full game digital download codes to shops [Eurogamer]
