After being launched in Asia last week, the PlayStation Stars loyalty program is now available in North and South America. Free to join, players will only need an adult account for PlayStation Network to sign up for the service on PlayStation.com or the PlayStation app.
Curiously, Sony has now announced that new members will be accepted on a “rolling basis,” with random players being put on a waiting list. Those on the waitlist will be able to access the loyalty program in about two months.
“By evaluating feedback, continuing to improve the experience, iterating quickly, and continuously adding new members on a rolling basis, we will be able to ensure our members have an optimized experience with PlayStation Stars,” a recent Sony Q&A reads.
Those signing up for PlayStation Stars will earn rewards by completing certain activities and by taking part in campaigns. For example, the Monthly Check-In campaign will reward players for simply playing any game. Certain rewards will only be obtainable by collecting certain in-game trophies, and difficulty will vary.
As for rewards, the program will offer two types–loyalty points and digital collectibles. Sony has been very quick to note that digital collectibles are not tradeable or sellable, unlike NFTs. These collectibles will range from popular PlayStation characters to classic Sony devices, and new ones will be added regularly. Of course, PlayStation Stars members will be able to show them off and arrange them on a display case in the PlayStation app.
Loyalty points will be able to be redeemed in a catalog that will include things like PlayStation Store products, PSN wallet funds, and exclusive digital collectibles. Those who are signed up for PlayStation Plus will automatically earn points for any purchases made on the PlayStation Store.
Officially, the loyalty program has four tiers. Level 1 is unlocked simply by signing up. To reach Level 2, users need only to purchase a full game from the PlayStation Store and earn one uncommon trophy. After buying two full games and earning 32 uncommon trophies, users will reach Level 3, while Level 4 requires the purchase of four full games and 128 uncommon trophies. Levels aren’t permanent, so players will need to keep buying games and playing them to maintain their status.
Recently, a secret Diamond tier was datamined and is said to only be available by invitation. It’s unclear how a gamer can be chosen to join this elite club.
While the service seems like a fun way to earn some silly trophies and get a few dollars off games in the future, it has also stirred up controversy. Last week, it was reported that those reaching Level 4 would be given priority when contacting PlayStation Customer Support.
