Sony’s “Stricter Guidelines” On Shovelware PlayStation Games Are Reportedly Targeting More Developers

It’s no secret that Sony has been cleaning up the PlayStation Store, with the company removing thousands of so-called "shovelware" games from one developer. Now, though, we're learning that this removal is coming with "stricter guidelines" that are impacting some developers.

According to reports from GamesIndustry.biz and Push Square, the Brazil-based studio Afil Games' partnership with Sony has been terminated in the wake of these supposed "stricter guidelines." It's unclear just what these rules are, but in a June 23 X post, the Brazilian developer clarified that all of its games will be removed from the PlayStation Store.

"As a result of these new guidelines and their incompatibility with our business model, PlayStation has decided not to continue with Afil Games for future releases on the platform," the studio wrote. "We would like to sincerely thank all PlayStation players who supported us throughout this journey. Your enthusiasm and trust have played a significant role in our growth. We remain committed to bringing new experiences to our players through Xbox One, Xbox Series, Microsoft Store, and Nintendo Switch."

Afil Games has released several games on the PlayStation Store, including Chico's Delivery, Collie Call, and Damways—all of which are casual puzzle experiences. At the time of this writing, these games are still available to buy on the PlayStation Store.

Sony’s Crackdown on Shovelware Games Gains Momentum

Sony has really cracked down on shovelware in the past year. In February 2025, the company removed over 30 supposed "slop" games from the PlayStation Store, and in January 2026, it Thanos-snapped over 1,000 from German publisher ThiGames out of existence.

This latest move suggests that Sony is not only targeting low-quality or repetitive titles but also reevaluating its relationships with developers who may not align with its evolving standards. While the exact nature of the new guidelines remains unclear, the impact on developers like Afil Games highlights the growing pressure on the industry to maintain a higher level of quality across all platforms.

  • Sony is enforcing stricter rules on game developers.
  • Afil Games has lost its partnership with Sony.
  • The move is part of a broader effort to clean up the PlayStation Store.
  • Developers must now align with new standards to remain on the platform.