Sony is getting rid of Accolades, a PlayStation 5 feature that’s been around since the system launched, because apparently no one uses it (via Eurogamer). In case you haven’t heard of it (which wouldn’t be surprising at all), Accolades is a way to anonymously reward other online players for being a “good sport”, “useful” or “welcoming”, which then appear in player profiles.
On a PlayStation support page, Sony says that Accolades will be gone this fall, and their message is truly sad. “The feature hasn’t seen the level of usage we expected, so we’re refocusing our efforts,” Sony says. “We encourage the community to continue sending each other positive messages.”
The number of recognitions you earn in each category appears on your profile. Image: Sony
Sony probably released this as a way to encourage the online gaming community to be a little less toxic, but players weren’t all that keen on using this system to compliment others. Additionally, rewards are not available for all titles and are much less relevant in cross-platform multiplayer games, although some games such as Overwatch and (on PC) League of Legends have similar built-in features with Endorsements and Honor. After introducing endorsements, Blizzard developers reported in a 2019 GDC presentation that they saw a 40 percent reduction in matches containing “disruptive behaviors.”
It also doesn’t help that Sony doesn’t make Accolades easy to find (this YouTube video can show you how they work in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War) and many players simply don’t know how to use it.
With the release of the PS5, Sony introduced a number of new features and revamped the system interface from the ribbon UI on the PS4. Some things would inevitably not get enough interest, but it seems to me that recognition will soon be removed, especially since PS5 consoles are now easier to buy.
Even though it’s being removed from the accolades, Sony continues to add more updates to other areas of the PS5. After overhauling its membership options in March, PlayStation launched a new loyalty program, PlayStation Stars, earlier this month, which players can use to earn points that they can then spend on new games.