PlayStation's New Reward Strategy Ties Merchandise to Game Achievements

Premiering Ghost of Tsushima 'Ghost Rewards' for Enthusiastic Players

Sony is launching an innovative way for PlayStation users to obtain physical merchandise by tying these rewards to specific in-game achievements. The program is initiating with exclusive incentives linked to achievements from Sucker Punch’s game Ghost of Tsushima, and there are plans to eventually extend similar offers across other popular gaming franchises.

In Ghost of Tsushima, players who have unlocked certain trophies can qualify for limited edition items. These include a commemorative mask-shaped pin available for $25, which can be earned by achieving the “Living Legend” Platinum trophy, or a specially designed t-shirt priced at $30, with a gold woodblock print, provided to those obtaining the “Mono No Aware” Gold trophy. To receive these items, players must log into their PlayStation account on a specific redemption website before the deadline of December 31, 2025. Notably, while the term "reward" is used, players are required to purchase these items—what you're granted is access to buy the merchandise, rather than the items themselves.

Evolution from PlayStation Stars to Franchise Rewards

Sony’s previous exploration into loyalty initiatives came in the form of the PlayStation Stars program. This exclusively digital endeavor allowed participants to collect 'Stars' through gaming or console activity, which they could then exchange for digital models of various PlayStation characters or collectibles. It often appeared to be a repurposed non-fungible token (NFT) concept, swiftly revised due to changing trends in blockchain technologies. Ultimately, it made sense that the company eventually phased out the PlayStation Stars.

Unlike the PlayStation Stars, the Franchise Rewards initiative bears a closer resemblance to the Bungie Rewards framework, operating since 2018, which runs alongside Destiny 2. This system grants users an opportunity to purchase memorabilia, such as shirts and jackets, which become available upon completing certain in-game tasks including extended raiding missions within the titles Destiny and Destiny 2.