Sony has introduced that they are going to be eradicating a PlayStation 5 multiplayer characteristic later this 12 months. Launched as a part of the PS5 system software program in 2020, the Accolades system will likely be eliminated in fall 2022, just about as a result of no one is utilizing them.
The assertion from Sony reads:
In fall of 2022, the Accolades characteristic on PlayStation 5 will now not be supported. The characteristic hasn’t seen the extent of utilization we anticipated, so we’re refocusing our efforts. We encourage the neighborhood to proceed to ship constructive messages to 1 one other.
Accolades had been a good suggestion from Sony, meant as a PlayStation-wide approach to engender extra positivity via on-line multiplayer and foster a extra real sense of neighborhood. As soon as per on-line match, in supporting video games, you could possibly award one stranger one in all three Accolades: Useful, Welcoming, Good Sport.
One potential level of inspiration might have come from video games like Overwatch, the place the tip of every match enables you to vote to select one of the best participant within the recreation, wanting past the uncooked stats. On the finish of the day, although, they’re merely little digital badges.
The issue, maybe, was that this was an extra aspect characteristic completely on PlayStation. It wanted funding of effort and time to convey into video games by builders, and I can’t actually consider video games the place Accolades have taken satisfaction of place. Sony wanted a success first get together unique to actually put it within the limelight, however the firm continues to be solely simply beginning to rebuild their multiplayer recreation portfolio and hasn’t been in a position to push it themselves – I can’t assume how or the place it’s featured in Gran Turismo 7, for instance.
Sony hasn’t been afraid to cull options that haven’t been used sufficient, killing off PS Communities on PS4 final 12 months, and there are nonetheless fairly just a few areas of the PlayStation 5 system that would use enchancment. Over the previous 18 months, Sony has regularly iterated on the Sport Base chat and social facets of the system, they’ve shifted instructions with how voice chat events work, and are at the moment testing 1440p assist and folder-like Gamelists. There’s additionally the PlayStation Stars loyalty scheme, which can reward gamers for participating in tournaments, incomes specific trophies, and easily checking in to play video games every month.
Supply: Sony