PlayStation Introduces Written User Reviews on its Digital Storefront

by John Nowacky
in $$$, Playstation, XBOX
on 11 August 2024

PlayStation is revolutionizing its digital storefront by introducing a new feature that allows players to leave written reviews on certain games. While players have been able to rate games using a star system, similar to other digital storefronts like Steam and Xbox, PlayStation users have been unable to express their opinions in written form. However, this is about to change.

In a recent Reddit post titled “When did PlayStation start allowing written reviews?” users discovered that PlayStation has started inviting select players to leave written reviews on specific games. These players have received emails from PlayStation requesting them to review games such as Helldivers 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Fortnite on the official website.

It is important to note that currently, only certain games are reviewable, and players must own the game digitally to leave a review. Unlike Xbox, PlayStation does not yet offer the ability to leave reviews directly from the console. While this might seem like a limitation, it could actually help filter out unserious or irrelevant responses that are common on platforms like Steam.

This approach to user reviews also seeks to prevent situations like the Helldivers 2 debacle, where review bombing campaigns on Steam impacted a game negatively. By restricting who can leave reviews and where they can submit them, PlayStation aims to maintain the integrity of the reviewing process.

Although the feature is being quietly rolled out, it is likely that there will be some modifications based on user feedback. The introduction of written user reviews is an exciting development for the PlayStation community, offering a platform for players to share their detailed opinions and experiences with fellow gamers.

As PlayStation continues to enhance its digital storefront experience, users can expect to see more features and improvements in the future. Stay tuned for weekly digests, community stories, and more exciting updates from PlayStation.

Facts not mentioned in the article but relevant to the topic:

– PlayStation’s digital storefront is known as the PlayStation Store.
– The PlayStation Store offers a wide range of digital games, DLCs (Downloadable Content), and other digital content for PlayStation consoles.
– PlayStation users can access the PlayStation Store through their PlayStation consoles, as well as through the PlayStation mobile app and the official PlayStation website.
– The PlayStation Store is available in various countries and regions around the world, offering localized content and pricing.
– PlayStation has a large and dedicated community of gamers, with millions of active users on the PlayStation Network (PSN).

Important questions and their answers:

1. What games are currently reviewable on PlayStation’s digital storefront?
– The article mentions Helldivers 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Fortnite as some of the games that users have received invitations to review. However, the specific list of reviewable games may vary and change over time.

2. Can players leave reviews for physical copies of games or only digital copies?
– Currently, players can only leave reviews for games they own digitally. Physical copies of games do not have the option for written user reviews.

3. Does PlayStation plan to expand the feature to include all games on the digital storefront?
– The article doesn’t provide information on specific plans for future expansion. However, it mentions that PlayStation is likely to make modifications based on user feedback, suggesting that there may be room for the feature to expand to more games in the future.

Key challenges or controversies associated with the topic:

1. Review bombing campaigns:
– One key challenge associated with user reviews on gaming platforms, like Steam, is the potential for review bombing campaigns. Review bombing occurs when a large number of users coordinate to leave negative reviews for a game, often in response to a specific event or controversy surrounding the game or its developers. This can unfairly impact a game’s overall rating and reputation. PlayStation aims to address this challenge by restricting who can leave reviews and where they can submit them.

Advantages and disadvantages of the feature:

Advantages:
– Allows players to share their detailed opinions and experiences with fellow gamers.
– Enhances transparency and helps potential buyers make informed decisions.
– Can provide valuable feedback to game developers and publishers.

Disadvantages:
– Possible risk of receiving biased or unfair reviews.
– May be limited to only select games or digital copies of games.
– Lack of direct access to leave reviews from the console itself can be inconvenient for some users.