With the current version of Ultimate Edition released last year (and the next generation version later postponed to 2021), many apparently paid for the game with the intention of waiting to update and play the next generation version later. To make matters worse, Ultimate Edition for PS4 was recently discounted from the PS Store, prompting more players to buy the game to ensure a next generation update.
However, when the PS5 Ultimate Edition was announced for a February 2 release, it was revealed as a day and date release for PS Plus, offering a free download in exchange for the monthly subscription. The move left many players who paid in advance for the next generation version upset by the surprise announcement of a much cheaper purchase method.
PS4 Ultimate Edition is the only way to get a free PS5 update. The PS4 Ultimate Edition goes on sale. Less than 2 weeks later, PS4 Ultimate Edition is free on PS Plus and no refund is being issued. Shocking behavior from Playstation and Remedy. @PlayStationUK @pushsquare @IGNUK
– Matthew Carter (@ bigcheese1986) January 28, 2021
To add to the problems, Remedy later announced that it would save files from the latest generation versions of Control could not be carried over to the next generation Ultimate edition, which means that those who started the game on their old consoles will need to restart entirely on their PS5 or Xbox Series console.
The director of communications at Remedy explained that, “The version of our engine in the Next Generation Control is very different from the version used in the Control of the previous generation. To sum up the story, many changes in things like the way we handle data, etc. . ” In a separate tweet, he added that saving file transfer would not be added in a future patch.
The moves left some fans frustrated by the lack of communication and wishing they knew in advance that they would need to play from the beginning of the game in the next generation, and that they might even have this version for free as PS Subscribers Plus. Some requested a refund for their previous purchases.
@AskPS_UK Hey guys, I originally bought control of the original edition and then platinum, so the developers stated that I would have to buy the final edition for the PS5 update that I purchased now that is being made available for free and available for ps plus, will I receive a refund for my purchase?
– Michael Boag (BoAgeYBoY) (@BoAgEyBoY) January 28, 2021
Many pointed out that when the ‘shark-PG’ Maneater was added to PS Plus, subscribers who recently purchased the game were automatically refunded.
@AskPlayStation so I bought the Control Ultimate edition less than a week ago for $ 20 at the psn store. I haven’t even played. I was waiting for the ps5 update. I don’t deserve a refund, just like everyone else received with Maneater being PS + game
– The Jedi ♪ (@jedtgill) January 27, 2021
We contacted Control 505 Games to comment.
Control was IGN’s Game of the Year for 2019, and our analysis of Control said it “creates a captivating and eccentric world that never loses the thread of its supernatural history”. The Ultimate Edition of the game adds a 30 FPS graphic mode with lightning stroke and a 60 FPS performance mode on PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Joe Skrebels is the Executive News Editor at IGN. Follow him on Twitter. Do you have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Send an email to [email protected].