James R | On 07, Mar 2021

The PlayStation Store is shutting up shop for films and TV shows.

The store, which launched on the games console back in 2006, offers downloadable content for purchase, including games and add-ons such as themes and additional content. But it also offers films and TV shows to buy and rent online, part of a move to turn the console into at all-round home entertainment system in a digital age, a streaming device to turn any TV into a smart TV.

Since then, the digital landscape has changed, with subscription streaming services becoming a dominant force in living rooms. Subscription VOD platforms grew 42 per cent year-on-year, accounting for 74 per cent of the total market value in the digital sector in 2020. Data from Kantar found that almost one in four (23 per cent) British households signed up to a subscription service during the first quarter of the year.

Now, even with a significant growth in premium VOD rentals while cinemas have been closed and a gradual move away from the traditional theatrical window, Sony is deciding to shut up its online shop for film and TV.

“At SIE, we strive to provide the best entertainment experience for PlayStation fans, and that means evolving our offerings as customer needs change,” said Vanessa Lee, Head of Video Business, in a statement this week. “We’ve seen tremendous growth from PlayStation fans using subscription-based and ad-based entertainment streaming services on our consoles. With this shift in customer behavior, we have decided to no longer offer movie and TV purchases and rentals through PlayStation Store.”

The change will take place on 31st August. From then, users who have purchased films or TV shows can still access them to play on-demand on their PS4, PS5 or mobile devices. But users won’t be able to rent or buy any further titles.

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