Key Takeaways
1. A suspicious listing for “Microsoft Flight Simulator 2025” appeared on the PlayStation Store, leading to speculation about its legitimacy.
2. The images on the listing are likely AI-generated and do not represent a real game, with no supporting videos or images provided.
3. Grizzly Games, the publisher listed, denied any connection to the game and reported unauthorized use of their name and logo.
4. Legal action against the listing may not occur due to Grizzly Games’ limited resources, although Sony has the power to remove such entries.
5. The rise of easier access for smaller developers on the PlayStation Store has led to concerns about misleading titles, often labeled as shovelware.
With Xbox titles like Forza Horizon 5 making their way to the PS5, a curious new listing on the PlayStation Store tricked some virtual pilots. The entry, named Microsoft Flight Simulator 2025, appeared on Sony’s platform. However, a deeper investigation suggests that the images might be AI-generated, mimicking the actual artwork from Flight Simulator 2024. Interestingly, Grizzly Games is listed as the publisher, but the developer of Thronefall has denied any link to this game.
Discovery of the Clone
Reddit users first stumbled upon this Flight Simulator imitation when they spotted new trophy listings. However, these achievements did not align with those found in the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 for PC and Xbox. Upon further exploration of the PS Store page, it quickly became clear that this title was not a genuine port of Flight Simulator for the PS5.
Missing Evidence
The page for the proposed Flight Simulator 2025 touts features like dynamic weather and impressive visuals. Nevertheless, there are no images or videos available to substantiate these assertions. Additionally, another title called Flight Simulator 2025 VR is still up for grabs on the PlayStation Store. While this game is real, its physics and bland textures fail to match the quality of Microsoft’s simulation.
After the suspicious Flight Simulator listing came to light, Grizzly Games reached out to Eurogamer. Known for their tower-defense game Thronefall, the studio confirmed that their name and logo were being used without permission. The website of Grizzly Games Limited, mentioned in the PS Store listing, promotes dubious mobile games.
Legal Challenges
The developer of Thronefall stated that they do not have enough resources to take legal action. Of course, Sony has the means to address such matters, yet it remains uncertain if they will take down Flight Simulator 2025. Often labeled as shovelware, the gaming giant has previously removed other titles featuring clear AI-generated content. Still, many players on PlayStation lament the emergence of such copycat games within the marketplace.
Just like Steam, it has become easier for smaller developers to showcase their games on the PlayStation Store. Unfortunately, this level of freedom often results in publishers exploiting unaware consumers.
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