Sony appears to be testing a new feature on the PlayStation Store that could soon allow users to write detailed reviews for games they have played on the platform. This feature would be an extension of the existing five-star rating system and could provide more in-depth feedback for prospective buyers. Reports from users suggest that Sony is currently sending out emails to select players, inviting them to participate in this review process.

A Shift Towards a More Engaging PlayStation Store

In recent years, Sony has been focusing on enhancing its digital platforms, especially with the revamped PlayStation Plus membership and its associated benefits. The PlayStation Store, which serves as the main digital marketplace for PlayStation 5 and other consoles, already allows players to rate games on a five-star scale. However, these ratings only provide a numerical score, lacking the nuanced insights that written reviews can offer.

When did PlayStation start allowing written reviews? Seems to only be allowed for few games on their store pages for now.
byu/cusman78 inplaystation

Reddit user cusman78 shared an image of a prompt asking them to write a review for Helldivers 2 on the PS5, suggesting that Sony is exploring ways to enrich the PlayStation Store with user-generated content. Other users have reported receiving similar emails for different titles, including Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, further indicating that this feature is being tested across various games.

How the New Feature Might Work

The process seems to be tied to the digital copies of games purchased from the PlayStation Store. Some users have noted that they were unable to write reviews for physical copies they owned, leading to speculation that Sony’s review invites are based on playtime tracked through digital purchases. Interestingly, this feature is not limited to newly released titles, as some players reported receiving review requests for the PS5 version of Fortnite.

While Sony has not officially confirmed the rollout of this feature, its introduction could align the PlayStation Store more closely with platforms like Steam, where written reviews are a staple. On Steam, user reviews often influence purchasing decisions and can significantly impact a game’s reputation, as seen in cases of review bombings. Sony’s move to adopt a similar system suggests an effort to empower consumers with more detailed information while shopping on the PlayStation Store.

What This Means for PlayStation Users

The potential addition of written reviews to the PlayStation Store has been met with enthusiasm by many gamers. Steam’s review system is highly regarded for helping players make informed decisions, and a similar feature on the PlayStation Store could offer the same benefits. However, it remains to be seen how Sony will handle potential issues, such as review manipulation or bombings, which have been challenges on other platforms.

As of now, the feature seems to be in a testing phase, with participation limited to those who receive an invite from Sony. There is no official timeline for when this feature might become widely available or whether it will eventually support reviews for physical copies of games. PlayStation fans are advised to stay tuned for further updates from Sony as the testing phase progresses.

Final Thoughts

Sony’s exploration of written reviews on the PlayStation Store represents a significant step towards enhancing the digital shopping experience for its users. By potentially allowing players to share detailed feedback on games, Sony could offer a more transparent and informative marketplace. While the feature is still in its early stages, its full implementation could bring the PlayStation Store closer to the user-centric model seen on platforms like Steam.

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