The merciless actuality of proudly owning digital content material got here to a head this month, as Sony deliberate to tug choose TV exhibits from customers’ PlayStation libraries on account of expiring licensing agreements. That meant customers would have exhibits pulled from their accounts that they paid for, with no recourse or refunds given. Naturally, Sony drew loads of backlash for this. Below stress, Sony introduced Thursday that it had reached a new license settlement with Discovery. This can permit customers to maintain Discovery content material of their PlayStation libraries uninterrupted.
“Resulting from up to date licensing preparations, the Discovery content material elimination deliberate for December 31, 2023, is now not occurring,” the up to date authorized discover reads. “We respect your ongoing help and suggestions.”
The transfer is nice information for PlayStation customers, who get to maintain entry to roughly 1,200 Discovery exhibits that have been set to be eliminated. A few of the highlights included Delusion Busters and Cake Boss, however the checklist of content material was far-reaching. Whereas exhibits are added and faraway from streaming companies on a regular basis, Sony and Discovery have been about to do one thing completely different. Taking up-demand content material that was bought would have set a horrible precedent for Sony, which is probably going why the corporate backtracked.
However the collection of occasions was nonetheless a foul search for Sony. It highlighted all the issues that may include digital media. It’ll be onerous to belief Sony’s PlayStation Retailer — or any digital storefront for that matter — to maintain bought content material obtainable as promised. Whereas we doubt many will return to DVDs or Blu-rays, it’s one thing to remember.
Sony and Discovery botched their present elimination plan
We don’t know which firm was behind the plan to take away exhibits from the PlayStation Retailer. And it was seemingly the fault of each firms. Nonetheless, Sony did not do proper by its customers, and that’s why individuals have been so important of the corporate. Folks well-versed in massive tech and media most likely anticipate on-line purchases to turn into obtainable in some unspecified time in the future. As a result of there’s loads of precedent for that taking place. Normally, this occurs when a product reaches end-of-life standing. An instance could be if Sony pulled the PS Retailer from the PS5 years from now when the console turns into unsupported.
As a substitute, Sony meant to yank over a thousand Discovery exhibits whereas giving customers only a few weeks of discover. Even then, Sony didn’t plan to supply refunds and even retailer credit score as compensation. Sony reversed course right here, and customers nonetheless get to maintain their Discovery exhibits for now. However it’s honest to wonder if Sony or digital storefronts as an entire, will be trusted.