An unusual glitch has been causing a stir among users of Sony’s PlayStation Plus subscription service, impacting players who are trying to enjoy their favorite games through the platform. The glitch, affecting both PS4 and PS5 users with PS Plus, leads to the simultaneous launch of two games on the same console, a capability not typically supported by these systems.
The landscape of game subscription services has evolved significantly since the days of the PS3 and Xbox 360. Compared to the limited options available back then, modern platform services offer a plethora of features such as free game libraries, online multiplayer, and cloud gaming, all aimed at enticing players to subscribe. Recently, Sony has been exploring online game streaming as a means to enhance the value proposition of PS Plus, especially in light of recent price increases in certain regions. The Premium tier of PS Plus now includes access to a variety of classic games that can be streamed directly to PS4 and PS5 consoles.
It was within this online streaming environment that Reddit user TheLeftBoy encountered a peculiar bug affecting PS Plus. While trying to dive into the action-packed world of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2, they were greeted not by the heroic saga of Starkiller, but by the unexpected title screen of Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, a game originally released on the PS3 back in 2013.
The glitch caused severe flickering of the Sly Cooper title screen, disrupting TheLeftBoy’s gaming experience and rendering the game nearly unplayable. Although they managed to resolve the issue by exiting and relaunching the game, footage of the strange bug drew attention from fellow users on the PlayStation subreddit. Some expressed concerns about the potential risks posed by the flickering screen, particularly for individuals with photosensitive conditions like epilepsy, who may be susceptible to seizures triggered by rapid flashes and bright lights. This issue highlights the importance of addressing accessibility considerations in gaming, even for major franchises like Call of Duty, which have also encountered glitches affecting users with epilepsy.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, some users found humor in the glitch, jokingly suggesting that Sony was employing subliminal messaging to “brainwash” PS Plus subscribers into playing Sly Cooper. Others shared similar experiences with encountering the bug while attempting to stream different games via PS Plus. One player, for instance, encountered the glitch while trying to enjoy the classic version of God of War on their PS5, prompting them to seek assistance from Sony tech support to find a resolution.
While game streaming technology has made significant strides in recent years, glitches and bugs like the one experienced by TheLeftBoy and others serve as reminders that there are still challenges to overcome on the path towards a fully cloud-based gaming future. Nevertheless, with ongoing advancements and a commitment to addressing issues as they arise, the gaming community can look forward to an increasingly seamless and enjoyable gaming experience across various platforms and devices.