By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close
Conina on 19 July 2026
Edit Thread
BraLoD said:
Conina said:

So if you insert one of these new PS5 discs with the "malware firmware" included, you would have to decide to

  • decline the firmware to keep your ad-free PS5 ad-free, but you can't use it for any 2027+ PS5 game (either physical or digital) and you can't use the PS Store anymore if it needs the "malware firmware"
  • accept the firmware installation and MANY (in the worst case ALL) older and newer PS4 + PS5 games (no matter if physical or digital) on that system now have annoying ads every x minutes on a system level.

And this choice ain't hypothetical. Sony removed Linux and other PS3 features with firmware updates. Most PS3 gamers accepted the firmware installation because access to the newer PS3 games (physical and digital) and access to the PS Store was more important to them than keeping those features. 

Yes, if you refuse the firmware update in the disc you won't be able to play that game, and a firmware update could affect all games potentially.

But now, the bolded part in the reply, wouldn't all the companies involved in the system level update to add ad monetization to their games need to effectively contractually agree with, and be paid for, one by one, otherwise this update would only affect the game in case itself?

I think Sony profting on ads in other people games without them agreeing would be illegal too, lol.

The contractional agreement would be in the firmware agreement and it would be only between Sony (platform holder) and the PS-gamer (end user). The subject of the agreement would be pausing a game (no matter if first party or third party, no matter if physical or digital version) -> showing ads -> unpausing the game. Why should Sony be obligated to invole all third party companies for that?

I doubt that Amazon / Apple / Disney / Netflix involves every content provider for that shit in their streaming services. Or Sony adapts the contracts with the third party developers for using the network services, too.