Sony has reportedly purged hundreds of games from its digital storefront, primarily titles by developer ThiGames, signaling a potential shift in platform content curation. This significant move targets what many consider “shovelware,” low-quality titles often designed for quick trophy acquisition rather than substantive gameplay.
The removals, initially spotted by PushSquare and detailed by GamesIndustry.biz on January 15, 2026, suggest a decisive action by PlayStation against a specific type of content that has long plagued digital marketplaces. ThiGames, a prolific developer, previously had more titles on the PS4 and PS5 stores than all but three other developers, according to trophy hunter Rob Thanatos.
This action highlights an ongoing tension between open digital distribution and the desire for a curated, high-quality user experience. While these games often provide minimal entertainment, they gained notoriety among certain players for offering easy Platinum Trophies, a metric of completion that some enthusiastically pursue.
The rise and fall of shovelware on PlayStation
The term “shovelware” refers to games rapidly developed and released in large quantities, often with simplistic mechanics and minimal artistic effort. These titles typically flood digital storefronts, making it harder for high-quality independent games to gain visibility. For years, the PlayStation Store, much like other platforms, grappled with the influx of such content.
GameDiscoverCo’s Simon Carless cautioned against inflated numbers, estimating ThiGames released around 153 unique titles, not thousands, when accounting for regional SKUs. Despite their low quality, these games were financially successful, with Carless estimating ThiGames was grossing nearly $10 million annually from them, underscoring the lucrative nature of this niche.
The allure for some players was undeniable: a quick path to boosting their trophy count. As The Verge explains, many players value PlayStation Trophies. Eurogamer provided an example with “The Jumping Taco: Turbo,” where numerous trophies could be unlocked within 30 seconds of play, illustrating the core appeal for a segment of the gaming community.
Implications for platform curation and developer strategy
Sony’s move sends a strong message to developers about content quality and the future of its digital ecosystem. While neither Sony nor ThiGames has officially commented on the removals, the action suggests a more proactive stance on maintaining the integrity of the PlayStation brand and user experience.
This development could lead to stricter submission guidelines and a more rigorous review process for new titles on the PlayStation Store. Developers might need to re-evaluate strategies that prioritize quantity over quality, potentially shifting focus towards more robust and engaging experiences to meet evolving platform standards.
The broader industry trend, as observed in a report by PC Gamer on Valve’s similar crackdowns, points towards digital storefronts increasingly taking responsibility for the content they host. This effort aims to improve discoverability for legitimate games and enhance overall consumer trust in the platform’s offerings.
The removal of ThiGames’ catalog marks a pivotal moment for the PlayStation Store, reflecting a growing industry-wide commitment to digital storefront health. As platforms mature, balancing an open marketplace with quality control becomes paramount. This action could pave the way for a more discerning digital landscape, where genuine innovation and player engagement are prioritized over rapid-fire releases and superficial achievements.
