Sony has officially announced that its longstanding Rewards program will conclude on December 31, 2024.
Launched in 2017, the Sony Rewards system, in conjunction with branded Sony and PlayStation credit cards, allowed members to accumulate points from purchases made through the company's online store. These points could be redeemed for various benefits such as game discounts, gift cards, and other items.
Earning Points with Sony Rewards
Similar to other loyalty programs, Sony Rewards awarded one point for every unit of supported currency spent, like one dollar equating to one point.
Members could also apply for a Sony-branded credit card to earn points from eligible transactions. However, in 2021, Sony restricted point accumulation to only those holding Sony or PlayStation credit cards.
This change was met with criticism from users and now, the console maker has decided to phase out the Rewards program entirely.
Final Redemption and Account Access
According to GameRant, Sony has updated its FAQ page on the official Sony Rewards website to confirm the termination of the Rewards program.
Members have until December 31, 2024, to redeem any remaining points and access their accounts.
After this date, all unredeemed points will expire. Additionally, users can submit bonus points and purchase credit request forms through the Sony Rewards app until July 21.
It is important to note that Sony Rewards is distinct from the PlayStation Stars loyalty program, which will continue to operate.
Ongoing Issues with PlayStation Stars
Despite the continuation of PlayStation Stars, the program has faced significant issues.
Since early June, coinciding with PlayStation's Days of Play promotional period, PlayStation Stars has been offline. This downtime has prevented users from earning new points or collectibles, frustrating many who made purchases during the promotion.
The PS5 manufacturer has acknowledged the problem and assured users that their points will not be lost. However, over two weeks later, the service remained inactive, causing continued dissatisfaction among members.
Shifting Focus to PlayStation Stars
The discontinuation of Sony Rewards may disappoint some loyal users, but it appears that Sony is shifting its focus entirely to PlayStation Stars as its primary loyalty program.
Given that Sony Rewards has seen little improvement in recent years, this strategic move might allow the company to streamline its loyalty offerings. However, with PlayStation Stars still offline, Sony faces mounting pressure to resolve the issues and restore the service, enabling members to enjoy the program's benefits and rewards.
Sony's decision to end its Rewards program marks the end of an era for many loyal users. With the program set to conclude later this year, members should take immediate action to redeem any remaining points.
Meanwhile, as Sony pivots to focus on PlayStation Stars, it must address the current service disruptions to maintain customer satisfaction and ensure a smooth transition for its loyalty program users.
Elsewhere, Xbox is touted to bring the "biggest booth yet" in Gamescom 2024 on August 21 to 25 in Cologne, Germany.
