Recently, over a thousand games from a single developer, ThiGames, vanished from the PlayStation Store. This move by Sony seems aimed at cleaning up the PS5’s game selection, especially focusing on low-quality titles often referred to as “shovelware.”
Before the removal, ThiGames was the fourth most prolific developer on the platform. According to RobThanatos, all their games disappeared, except for the trophies players earned from them. There hasn’t been any official word from either Sony or ThiGames on why this happened.
ThiGames was known for its quirky titles, like The Jumping Fries and The Jumping Taco. These games offered simple gameplay, often focusing on repetitive tasks, which attracted players looking to boost their trophy count quickly. For example, players could achieve trophies just by jumping a certain number of times.
The video linked above is just 95 seconds long, showcasing how effortless it is to earn trophies in these games. This simplicity drew in many gamers who wanted to rapidly enhance their PlayStation profiles.
This isn’t the first time Sony has acted against shovelware. About a year ago, they removed Randomspin, another developer known for producing numerous low-quality games in a short time. They were suspected of using AI and recycled assets, similar to ThiGames.
The trend of removing shovelware reflects a broader concern in the gaming industry. According to a recent survey by the Interactive Software Association, players value quality over quantity. Many gamers today prefer a smaller selection of high-quality titles rather than sifting through countless low-effort games.
User reactions on social media have been mixed. Some players cheer the removal, hoping for a more curated store, while others worry about losing access to their favorite guilty pleasures. This ongoing conversation emphasizes the gaming community’s desire for accountability and quality assurance from platforms like PlayStation.
As the gaming landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how Sony and other companies handle the balance between quantity and quality in their offerings.
