Sony has introduced that they are going to be eradicating a PlayStation 5 multiplayer characteristic later this yr. Launched as a part of the PS5 system software program in 2020, the Accolades system can 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 group to proceed to ship optimistic messages to at least one one other.
Accolades have been a good suggestion from Sony, meant as a PlayStation-wide strategy to engender extra positivity by on-line multiplayer and foster a extra real sense of group. As soon as per on-line match, in supporting video games, you may 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 top of every match allows you to vote to choose the most effective participant within the sport, 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 celebration unique to actually put it within the limelight, however the firm remains to be solely simply beginning to rebuild their multiplayer sport portfolio and hasn’t been capable of push it themselves – I can’t suppose 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 yr, and there are nonetheless fairly a couple of areas of the PlayStation 5 system that would use enchancment. Over the previous 18 months, Sony has frequently iterated on the Sport Base chat and social features of the system, they’ve shifted instructions with how voice chat events work, and are at present testing 1440p help and folder-like Gamelists. There’s additionally the PlayStation Stars loyalty scheme, which is able to reward gamers for participating in tournaments, incomes explicit trophies, and easily checking in to play video games every month.
Supply: Sony