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 resulting from 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 numerous backlash for this. Beneath stress, Sony introduced Thursday that it had reached a brand new license settlement with Discovery. This can enable customers to maintain Discovery content material of their PlayStation libraries uninterrupted.
“Attributable to up to date licensing preparations, the Discovery content material elimination deliberate for December 31, 2023, is not occurring,” the up to date authorized discover reads. “We recognize your ongoing help and suggestions.”
The transfer is sweet 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 listing of content material was far-reaching. Whereas exhibits are added and faraway from streaming providers on a regular basis, Sony and Discovery have been about to do one thing completely different. Taking over-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 out there as promised. Whereas we doubt many will return to DVDs or Blu-rays, it’s one thing to bear in mind.
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 doubtless the fault of each firms. Nevertheless, Sony did not do proper by its customers, and that’s why folks have been so crucial of the corporate. Individuals well-versed in large tech and media most likely count on on-line purchases to change into out there sooner or later. As a result of there may be numerous precedent for that taking place. Often, this occurs when a product reaches end-of-life standing. An instance can be if Sony pulled the PS Retailer from the PS5 years from now when the console turns into unsupported.
As an alternative, Sony supposed 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. Nevertheless it’s honest to wonder if Sony or digital storefronts as an entire, may be trusted.