PlayStation launched a PS5 update that is generating negative reactions among hundreds of players. The latest firmware version duck ads that replace game background images. Worst of all, there is no way to escape them, since they are built into the user interface.
The most obvious case is that of Warhammer 40.000: Space Marine 2, which replaces the original image with Clive Standen, the voice actor who voices Lieutenant Titus. Another game that does the same is Horizon: Forbidden Westwhich leaves behind the art of the game to announce LEGO Horizon Adventures. Full screen ads appear when we position ourselves with the control in the game box.
It is worth mentioning that these advertisements They are not conventional advertising spaceslike the ones we see on LG televisions. The content in the PS5 interface is related to an update that use the News section as the game background. In the case of Space Marine 2the photo with the voice actor comes from a video on Focus Entertainment’s YouTube channel.
Los Publishers use this section to announce news for the game or franchiseso in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 an image from Season 6 appears, while in Horizon: Forbidden West We will see advertising for the LEGO title.
The PS5, one step away from becoming YouTube
In theory, these spaces are intended for relevant game information and should not include unwanted advertising. Nevertheless, nothing stops a company like EA or Activision from showing a disguised ad update in the News section. In the profile of Star Wars Jedi: SurvivorEA added a link to promote their EA Play subscription.
PS5 “ads” They only appear in games that are in your library. If you access Warhammer 40.000: Space Marine 2 from the PSN you will see the official art with Titus and not the YouTube slide. Ads do not appear in older games or with companies that do not use the News section, as is the case with Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
At the moment, There is no way to disable advertising in the PS5 interface. The only alternative to not viewing it is to completely disconnect from the internet, although we know that it is not a viable solution. If the protests get louder or a company takes advantage of this functionality to upload an ad, Sony will likely act and release an option to remove this functionality.
