Sony has recently taken action to remove a free PlayStation game from user libraries, surprising many players who believed the title was permanently theirs. The game Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, which became available due to a PlayStation Store glitch, was revoked nearly two months later—far beyond Sony’s usual response time. This unusual move has sparked discussions about digital ownership, licensing, and Sony’s handling of store errors.
Table of contents
Sony Revokes Access to a Free PlayStation Game
According to ComicBook, Sony has removed Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun from PlayStation user accounts after it was mistakenly distributed for free due to a software glitch in the PlayStation Store. Users on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 were able to add the game to their libraries without paying, even though it normally requires purchase.
In most similar cases, Sony typically revokes such licenses within 24 to 48 hours. However, this time the company remained silent for almost two months, leading many players to assume that the free PlayStation game would remain permanently accessible in their accounts.
How the PlayStation Store Glitch Happened
On October 17, 2025, a temporary malfunction in the PlayStation Store caused Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun—a tactical stealth game developed by Mimimi Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment—to become free for several hours. The game’s original price is $40, making the glitch especially appealing to users who managed to claim it during that brief window.
Sony quickly stopped new users from downloading the game after reports of the issue spread. Still, unlike past incidents, the title remained playable in user libraries for nearly two months before Sony finally removed it.
Power up your gaming instantly with a PlayStation Gift Card from Item4Gamer, delivered fast, securely, and at the best price. Enjoy smooth checkout, trusted payment gateways, and guaranteed activation—your next adventure starts in seconds!
Players Had Enough Time to Finish the Game
One notable aspect of this incident is the game’s length. Completing the story campaign of Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun typically takes 25 to 30 hours. If Sony had removed the game within its usual timeframe, most players wouldn’t have had the chance to finish it.
Due to the extended delay, nearly all users who accessed the game for free had ample time to fully experience—and even complete—one of the best stealth games of 2016 at no cost.
Did Sony Compensate the Publisher?
As of now, it remains unclear whether Sony compensated Daedalic Entertainment for the losses caused by this PlayStation Store glitch. Neither Sony nor the publisher has publicly commented on why the removal process took so long or whether any financial agreement was made.
While store-related bugs happen several times a year and are nothing new, Sony’s unusually long delay in reclaiming this free PlayStation game makes this case stand out as a rare exception.
Related article: PS5 Pro settings for PS4 games That Instantly Boost Quality
PlayStation Network Gift Card
Buy PlayStation Gift Card to unlock games, DLC, and PlayStation Plus benefits. Get cheap prices and instant delivery with safe & secure transactions at item4gamer. Enjoy exclusive content and gaming perks with the best price available. Redeem instantly and level up your PlayStation experience!
The Legacy of Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
Players who took advantage of this opportunity experienced one of the finest stealth strategy games of the 2010s. Sadly, Mimimi Games has since shut down, meaning no future sequels are expected.
Despite being nearly nine years old, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun remains a highly respected title. Currently, the game is available with a massive discount making it an excellent deal for newcomers.
Conclusion
Sony’s decision to remove a free PlayStation game months after it was claimed highlights ongoing concerns about digital ownership and user rights. While players benefited from enough time to complete the game, the incident raises important questions about platform policies, delayed enforcement, and transparency. Even so, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun remains a standout experience worth playing—even years later.
Follow Item4Gamer on social media and stay one step ahead of the game! 🚀
FAQ
Because the game was obtained through a PlayStation Store glitch and not through an official free promotion.
Approximately two months, which is much longer than Sony’s usual 24–48 hour revocation period.
Yes, most players had enough time to complete the 25–30 hour campaign.
Yes, the game is currently available with a significant discount for $4.
No, the developer Mimimi Games has shut down, making future sequels unlikely.
