'I Could Make \"Fart Fart Boobie Fart: The Game\" and Maybe It Would Eventually Get Taken Down' - Devs Reveal Why the Consoles Are Drowning in 'Eslop'

The PlayStation Store and Nintendo eShop are experiencing an influx of low-quality games, often described as "slop," raising concerns among users. These games, frequently simulation titles, utilize generative AI for assets and misleading store pages to attract unsuspecting buyers. This issue, initially prominent on the eShop, has recently spread to the PlayStation Store, particularly impacting the "Games to Wishlist" section.

These aren't simply "bad" games; the problem lies in their sheer volume and similarity, overwhelming legitimate titles. They often mimic popular games' themes or names, feature hyper-stylized, AI-generated art that misrepresents gameplay, and suffer from poor controls and technical issues. A small number of companies appear responsible for this mass production, making them difficult to identify and hold accountable due to limited online presence and frequent name changes.

Users are demanding stricter storefront regulation, particularly given the Nintendo eShop's declining performance due to the sheer number of games. To understand this issue, we investigated the game release process across Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

The Certification Process:

All four platforms require developers/publishers to submit their games for certification ("cert"). This involves filling out forms detailing game specifics and undergoing a technical check to ensure compliance with platform requirements (hardware specifications, handling of errors like corrupted saves or disconnected controllers, etc.). While Steam and Xbox publicly list their requirements, Nintendo and Sony do not. Certification also verifies legal compliance and ESRB rating accuracy. It's crucial to note that cert is not a quality assurance (QA) check; that responsibility lies with the developers.

Store page approval varies. While Nintendo and Xbox review all page changes before launch, PlayStation performs a single check near launch, and Valve only reviews the initial submission. All platforms have requirements for accurate screenshots, but enforcement varies. While some diligence exists to ensure the game matches its description, standards are loosely defined, allowing many games to slip through. The penalty for misleading information is often limited to content removal. None of the console platforms have specific rules against generative AI use in games or store assets, though Steam requests disclosure.

Why the Discrepancy?

The difference in "slop" levels across platforms stems from their developer approval processes. Nintendo, Sony, and Valve approve developers, making it easier for approved developers to release multiple games. Microsoft, however, approves games individually, making it less susceptible to "slop." Xbox's more hands-on approach and higher standards for store pages contribute to its relative cleanliness.

Nintendo's ease of entry and lax enforcement contribute to the problem. Some developers exploit the system by repeatedly releasing bundles with minimal changes to maintain top positions in "New Releases" and "Discounts." PlayStation's "Games to Wishlist" sorting by release date exacerbates the issue, highlighting upcoming games, even those with vague release dates and low quality.

Steam, despite its discoverability issues, suffers less from the "slop" problem due to its vast library and constantly updating "New Releases" section, quickly burying low-quality entries. Nintendo, however, presents new releases in an unfiltered manner, contributing to the problem.

Potential Solutions and Concerns:

Users are urging Nintendo and Sony to improve storefront regulation. While Sony has taken action in the past, the effectiveness of aggressive platform regulation is debated. Overly aggressive filtering, as demonstrated by a third-party attempt to clean up the eShop, can inadvertently harm legitimate games. Concerns exist that stricter regulations might unfairly target quality software. The human element in reviewing submissions must also be considered; differentiating between genuinely bad games, asset flips, and AI-generated games is challenging. Platform holders aim for a balance between allowing creative freedom and preventing cynical exploitation, a difficult task given the ever-increasing volume of game submissions. The Nintendo Switch 2's eShop holds some hope for improvement, potentially mirroring the more effective web browser version.