A popular PlayStation 4 game has been removed from Sony’s PlayStation Store apparently due to issues and limitations with the console itself. While some developers like Capcom continue to release big games for the system, the fact that it’s now 12 years old means it’s on its last legs. In fact, recent reports have revealed that Sony plans to end support for the PS4 in the near future, presumably to focus their efforts on the PS6. Still, despite being an old system, it’s perfectly fine to use.
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It’s surprising, then, that a former PS4 console exclusive, Genshin Impact, has suddenly been removed from the PS Store. Originally released in 2020, Genshin Impact was developed for PC, mobile, and PS4, but in the years since, it’s been ported to current-gen systems PS5 and Xbox Series X, both of which will retain active versions of the game. According to developer MiHoYo, this is due to technical limitations involved with the PS4, specifically pertaining to “hardware performance and platform application size.”
What Does This Mean?
Essentially, this means that Genshin Impact can no longer be purchased on PS4 in any capacity. Those who already own the game on can continue to download and play it, but some changes should be noted. For one, in-game purchases will end on February 25, 2026. Lastly, the announcement reveals that come April 8, the game will be shut down on PS4 entirely, leaving users no option to play any version of the game at all.
Well over 200 million people have downloaded Genshin Impact to date. How many of these players are on PS4, and still playing it, we do not know, but surely a considerable number of them are going to be negatively impacted by this development.
A Potential Major Problem for PS4
While this is an isolated issue at the moment, it begs the question of how many other games-as-a-service titles will run into the same issues on PS4 down the line. As noted above, games continue to be developed for the last-gen system at a decent clip. Heck, a game like Nuclear Throne got a surprise update after 10 years. It doesn’t feel like the market is willingly leaving the PS4 behind, but according to reports, Sony is preparing to leave the console behind regardless, and more developers could join it.
All of that said, and as always, feel free to leave a comment letting us know what you think, or comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum.
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