A PlayStation exclusive title, Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky, has been removed from the PlayStation Store for certain users of the PS4 and PS5 platforms, nearly 10 years after its initial release on December 17, 2015. The game has never been available on PC, Nintendo, or Xbox platforms, solidifying its status as a PlayStation exclusive, despite the absence of Sony’s direct involvement in its production. While some users have already found the PS4 version delisted from the store, the PlayStation Vita version is expected to follow suit in the next 48 hours. Fortunately, this issue does not affect all PSN users, at least for the time being.
The delisting coincides with the game’s upcoming 10-year anniversary, which raises questions about potential licensing agreements expiring. Exist Archive, which features no online functionality, could be facing a publishing or licensing issue. Initially launched only in Japan, the game didn’t make its way to western markets until October 18, 2016. For now, it remains available on the North American and European PlayStation Stores, but this status is likely to change later in the year. Importantly, the delisting affects both the base game and its downloadable content (DLC). Even after the complete removal, players will still have access to the game and its contents offline due to the absence of online elements.
Developed by Spike Chunsoft and Tri-Ace and published by Aksys Games, Exist Archive is often regarded as an unofficial spiritual successor to the acclaimed Valkyrie Profile series. Despite its unique gameplay and narrative, the game received a lukewarm reception, earning a score of 69 on Metacritic and failing to achieve significant commercial success. This lack of widespread attention may lead many players to overlook its delisting, but for those wishing to add this 50-hour RPG to their PSN library, time is of the essence.
While the reasons behind the delisting remain unclear, Spike Chunsoft issued a brief announcement acknowledging the situation. The statement included an apology for any inconvenience caused, expressing gratitude to customers for their understanding. “We extend our deepest gratitude to our customers and kindly ask for your understanding,” the announcement stated. This vague explanation has left many fans and players speculating about the underlying issues affecting the game’s availability.
The timing of the delisting appears significant, given its proximity to the game’s anniversary, which may suggest that various licensing agreements related to its distribution are coming to an end. As the gaming industry increasingly navigates complex licensing and publishing agreements, the fate of other titles could similarly be in jeopardy. Although the immediate future appears stable for the North American and European markets, the impending delisting raises broader questions about the lifespan of digital titles and the longevity of gaming content on platforms.
In conclusion, while Exist Archive: The Other Side of the Sky may not have achieved mainstream acclaim, its removal from the PlayStation Store serves as a reminder of the shifting landscape of digital gaming and the importance of securing rights for distribution. As players scramble to secure their copies of this once-exclusive title, the broader implications of such licensing issues will likely resonate throughout the gaming community. The evolving nature of digital distribution continues to highlight the fragility of gaming titles in an ever-changing market.
