PlayStation gamers urged to avoid free download and claim free store credit instead

PlayStation gamers are urging one another to hold off on jumping at a new free download and instead wait it out so they can claim a little extra store credit.

As I'm sure you know already, PlayStation has a loyalty scheme called PlayStation Stars which allows you to earn digital collectibles and points, which can be traded in for store credit.

At the moment it's possible to grab a number of free downloads based on Rise Of The Ronin, the new PlayStation exclusive from Team Ninja. However, gamers are suggesting you might be better off waiting.

The reason for this is simple: PlayStation Stars has a nasty habit of awarding bonus points for purchases on games made the month after those games launched. Fans have complained before that this approach actively gives gamers less incentive to pre-order or make day one purchases, and sure enough here we are watching gamers choosing to hold off on Rise Of The Ronin.

"If you haven’t purchased the game yet there is a strong likelihood it will be part of April Monthly Picks based on PS Stars history," one Reddit user warned. "I know I’m interested, but still deep in FF7 Rebirth so I can hold on buying this until I beat that game."

"Will also be waiting till April to see if it’s in the monthly picks for a few extra points though," another PlayStation Stars user added.

Just last month fans got pretty miffed when Final Fantasy VII Rebirth offered bonus points to those who purchased the game after its release date, leaving pre-order customers in the cold.

"Lesson learned: never buy games at release and wait for the coins coming next month or so," one angry fan commented on the PlayStation blog. "Please Sony, use your thinking hat. Loyalty programs are there to drive pre-orders and keep customers engaged. Sales and discounts are the way to drive sale of older games. Your Stars design just generates frustration and disengagement."