All new PS4 games have to work on PS5, orders Sony
While it’s ‘strongly recommended’ that older titles are updated
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Sonyhas told developers that any newPS4 gamessubmitted for certification after July 13 will have to bePS5-compatible.
Developer documentation released on a PlayStation internal partner website states that first-party developers submitting games past this date must ensure that the game will also run on the PS5, accordingEurogamer.
That means that any PS4 andPS4 Progame submitted after this date will have to be ‘forwards compatible’. In other words, they’ll have to be able to play on the PS5 as well as the PS4. It’s worth noting however, this applies to certification, not release date. So the likes of Ghost of Tsushima,releasing on July 17, won’t be affected – although we do expect to see it land on PS5 as well as PS4.
Not just new games
When submitting a PS4 game to Sony, developers will be presented with an option to confirm that the game is compatible with the PS5, according to the report. From July 13, this will have to be the case for any PS4 games. This option was apparently added in a new version of the PS4 software developer kit, released at the end of April.
In order to be deemed PS5 compatible, the PS4 game’s code must be able to run smoothly on the next-gen console while providing the same features and experience as it does on the PlayStation 4 console.
While it’s mandatory that PS4 games submitted after this date need to be PS5 compatible, Sony has “strongly recommended” that PS4 games released before July 13 receive patches or updates to make it so.
Forwards compatible
Sony isn’t the only company thinking about forwards compatibility. The Xbox Series X’sSmart Deliveryfeature will mean that if you buy one version of an Xbox game that supports Smart Delivery, you’ll always have access to the best version of that game no matter which hardware you’re playing it on.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
So if you buyHalo InfiniteonXbox One, then later play it onXbox Series X, your one-time purchase gets you the versions of the game optimized for both Xbox consoles.
Microsofthas committed to Smart Delivery on all of its exclusive Xbox Games Studios titles, and CD Projekt Red has committed to doing the same withCyberpunk 2077.
In addition, EA has said that certain games the company is launching this year on current-gen consoles “can be upgraded for free for the next generation" - but for a limited time only.
With Sony hinting that we won’t be able to play PS5 exclusives on PS4, at least we know we’ll be able to bring some of our PS4 games into the next generation with us.
An award-winning games journalist, with seven years of experience in games journalism and a degree in journalism from City University, London, Vic brings experience from IGN, Eurogamer, The Telegraph, VG247, Dot Esports and more to the TechRadar table. You may have even heard her on the radio or speaking on a panel, as she’s previously appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5, BBC Radio Ulster and more. Not only is Vic passionate about games, but she’s appeared on both panels and podcasts to discuss mental health awareness. Make sure to follow her on Twitter for more.
I reviewed the PS5 Pro and recommend these 7 enhanced games to try first
Lords of the Fallen is the latest game to get confirmed PS5 Pro enhancements and support
Don’t wait until Black Friday, this year’s best Nintendo Switch bundles are on sale now
