Sony cancels games and delists titles ignoring 97% positive reviews

The world of gaming drama often involves bitter betrayals, but the recent split between Sony and developer Ternox Games adds a layer of frustration to the already shifting landscape of console publishing. It appears that the PlayStation manufacturer unilaterally severed ties with the studio, leaving behind questions about artistic vision and future plans for beloved titles.

Ternox Games, known for crafting engaging experiences like the anime stock market simulation Stonks-9800, announced that their agreement with Sony had been abruptly terminated without any explanation. The developer expressed considerable disappointment, stating that Sony PlayStation had terminated their developer and publisher agreement without providing any justification or response to their appeals.

“Sony PlayStation unilaterally terminated my PlayStation developer and publisher agreement without giving me any reason,” the developer noted, emphasizing the lack of dialogue from the platform holder. “PlayStation Support refuses to listen to my arguments or even respond to my emails in any way.”

This decision immediately casts a shadow over the future of Stonks-9800, a game that had garnered significant positive attention. The plan was to bring the inventive title to the PlayStation 5, with a physical disc version anticipated in 2027. However, this ambition is now shelved.

Stonks-9800 itself is a unique experience, revolving around a Japanese salary man navigating the world of stocks. With visuals steeped in ’80s anime aesthetics and a text-based format, the game has already found a dedicated following, boasting over 1,380 positive reviews on Steam, with 97% of those reviews being positive.

Losing the opportunity to launch on the PS5 was a significant blow, as it would have dramatically widened the audience for such a fascinating title within the PlayStation ecosystem. The decision effectively removes a major potential platform for a game that could have offered something truly novel to console players.

Despite the setback, the development team is pivoting. Ternox Games has committed to doing their best to deliver physical releases on other major platforms, including PC and Nintendo Switch. While the PS5 dream has dissolved, the journey for Stonks-9800 continues, now aiming for a broader reach through alternative avenues.