Sony reinstates indie developer's PlayStation access after unexplained deal termination

Full text

Late last week, indie developer Ternox Games revealed that they wouldn't be releasing titles on PlayStation any longer as Sony had seemingly spontaneously terminated their publishing deal – but, now, all appears to be back in working order.

In case you missed the news when it dropped last Sunday, Ternox Games announced that their colorful '80s Japanese stock market simulator, STONKS-9800, wouldn't be releasing on the PlayStation 5 as "Sony unilaterally terminated my PlayStation developer and publisher agreement without giving me any reason."

The dev also explained that their existing games on the platform would "be removed from the PlayStation Store after August 23."

STONKS-9800 will not be coming to PS5.Sony @PlayStation unilaterally terminated my PlayStation developer and publisher agreement without giving me any reason.My existing games are scheduled to be removed from the PlayStation Store after August 23. pic.twitter.com/NQRnAmdyRb August 16, 2026

Well, we've got much better news today: Ternox Games' lineup is apparently good to stay on the PS5, and they'll also continue to launch games on the console's store in the future.

The dev reveals as much in a new online post – one written in response to the original thread on the publishing deal debacle. "Playstation has restored my access to the developer account and allowed me to continue working," it reads.

Playstation has restored my access to the developer account and allowed me to continue working!My games will remain available for purchase, and I'll keep releasing games for PlayStation as well!Thank you all for your support! https://t.co/9xQwAX0MxT August 20, 2026

"My games will remain available for purchase, and I'll keep releasing games for PlayStation as well!" Ternox Games concludes by thanking fans for their support – and it's safe to say they're happy, too.

"Great news," reads one comment. "Congratulations!" Others question why Sony did what it had apparently done in the first place, although the studio doesn't seem to reveal any details on why the publishing deal fell through.

As for Ternox Games' portfolio, I can confidently report that STONKS-9800 is a banger, with "Overwhelmingly Positive" reviews over on Steam and a retro-feeling aesthetic to die for. I'm sure it'll do just as well on PS5, now that it seems to finally be making its way there.

Looking to support some smaller developers yourself? Here's a roundup of the best upcoming indie games arriving this year and beyond to wishlist now.