PlayStation has begun removing certain low-quality games, often called “shovelware,” from its PS5 digital store. These games, known for offering easy platinum trophies with minimal effort, have been under investigation for exploiting the trophy system. The removal process targets titles that allow players to inflate their trophy counts cheaply and quickly.
Many of these games follow a similar pattern, with names like “The Jumping [noun]” and its “Turbo” variants. They typically feature simplistic gameplay and an abundance of trophies that can be earned in a matter of minutes. While some of these titles have been taken down, others remain available, suggesting a selective approach to the cleanup.
The primary motivation behind this move appears to be preventing “trophy inflation.” This practice has been a growing concern in the gaming community, as it devalues the achievement system that PlayStation has built over the years. Platinum trophies, in particular, are meant to represent significant accomplishments in gaming, not quick cash grabs for developers or easy wins for players.
Despite the initial wave of removals, the situation remains fluid. Some developers have found creative workarounds, such as listing their games in the demo section to avoid sales restrictions. This cat-and-mouse game between platform holders and opportunistic developers isn’t new in the industry, with similar issues plaguing other digital storefronts like Steam and the Nintendo eShop.
The presence of shovelware can have a broader impact on the gaming ecosystem. It clutters digital marketplaces, making it harder for quality indie games to gain visibility. It also potentially harms the platform’s reputation, as new users might stumble upon these low-effort titles and form a negative impression of the overall game selection.
