The company launched the PlayStation Franchise Rewards program, which is supposed to reward players for achievements in games. At the start, special Ghost Rewards are available, only for those who have received the "Mono No Aware" (gold) or "Living Legend" (platinum) trophy in Ghost of Tsushima by the end of 2025. Participants can purchase limited-edition items: a commemorative T-shirt ($30) or a badge ($25), created in collaboration with Sucker Punch Productions.
But players criticized the project. Many expected free items or discounts, but instead they have to first "play to be able to buy" expensive things.
"These are cool items, but calling them rewards is just ridiculous, since all we earn is the right to buy them... I don't know who you guys are at PlayStation, but lately you've been excelling at coming up with ridiculous ideas that no one asked for...", one user writes.
Others complain about expensive shipping: "Cool, but $12.27 for shipping a small badge? With tax it comes out to $40, doesn't seem like a reward at all". Others are outraged by the replacement of PlayStation Stars with such a system.
As a result, Franchise Rewards, instead of thanking fans, has become a cause for criticism. Loyal Sony fans are disappointed: instead of real bonuses, they were only offered the opportunity to spend even more money.