Since thePS5launched in late 2020, Sony’s latest console hasn’t stood still from a software perspective. That’s because like most pieces of modern technology, highly requested features have gradually been added into the mix. Over the last few months, the platform holder has pushed patches that have enabled Variable Refresh Ratesand expanded SSD support, for example.
It might be a rarer occurrence in the tech world, but the introduction of brand-new software features isn’t the only change that a patch can bring. Even though Sony is getting ready to roll out 1440p support to everyPS5, the platform holder has also announced that one of the console’s launch features is about to be discontinued. As a result, owners of the latest PlayStation only have a few months left to enjoy its Accolades feature.
What are Accolades
When the PS5 launched during the latter months of 2020, most of the public’s attention was understandably focused on its roster of games and revolutionary controller. Being able to play modern classics likeDemon’s Soulswith the captivating DualSensecontroller is one of the reasons why demand for the console has remained high ever since. Despite all of this fan fare, though, Sony introduced several other new features into the mix that have often flown under the radar.
The PS5’s Accolades system is arguably one of the system’s biggest forgotten features. In an attempt to replace the PS4’s lost Communities social network functionality, whilst drivingup engagement on the PlayStation Network, Sony introduced the concept at the start of the current console generation. Players have subsequently been able to award each other three different awards at the end of matches in select multiplayer games, ever since.
Both conceptually and practically, thePS5’s accolades system is a straightforward one. Beyond being able to attach ‘good sport,’ ‘helpful,' or ‘welcoming’ badges to the profiles of other players, there aren’t too many other quirks to the feature. It’s worth mentioning that players can’t send Accolades to their friends and have to wait over 12 hours to send a second one to the same person. Sony has never offered any benefit to the system, either, beyond the reassurance players get from knowing they’ve done a positive deed.
Discontinued Accolades
Having flown under the radar for nearly two years, it’s little surprise that Sony has quietly announced that support for the PS5’s Accolade system is about to come to an end. Over on the official PlayStation Support page, the publisher recently posted a single paragraph update outlining its decision. While the specifics of the plan are still vague as a result, players now know the feature will disappear from their console at some point duringthe Fall of 2022.
During the short support notice, Sony still managed to make a telling reference to the fact that the PS5’s Accolades haven’t beenadopted by the PlayStation communitylike it had hoped. Based on the data that Sony collects on all of its systems behind the scenes, the platform holder has seemingly deduced that only a small group of PS5 owners have actually taken advantage of them.
In some respects, the writing has been on the wall for the Accolades system for a while. The fact that some of thePS5’s most prominent multiplayer gameshave launched without support for the feature has limited its scope while also bringing Sony’s own commitment to the idea into question. Considering the ever-evolving face of technology, and the constant need to improve and develop new features as a result, the platform holder’s attention will now likely be diverted to other corners of the PlayStation Network.
What’s Next for the PS5
Even though the PS5’s Accolades are about to be discontinued, there’s reason to believe Sony will eventually explore the idea again at some point in the future. From just a physical perspective alone, the Accolades section that’s likely to vanish fromevery PlayStation Network user profilewill need to be filled by something. With players unable to earn or award any more Accolades from the Fall onwards, it’s unlikely that the space will be left in its current state.
Beyond that, Sony has also reaffirmed its desire to clean up the PlayStation Network while also encouraging players to send each other support. It wouldn’t be too shocking if another community orientated feature is added into the mix as a result of this. Based on the details that Sony has announced aboutits upcoming PlayStation Starsloyalty system, the publisher could already be eyeing up the platform as a replacement for the PS5’s Accolades. Although PlayStation Stars has been unveiled as a way forPS5owners to earn loyalty points and bonuses, via challenges, there’s obvious scope within the idea for a community focused angle as well.
