Sony Rescinds PlayStation Contract Termination for STONKS-9800 Developer
The reversal shows how a small developer can be caught in platform holders' shovelware crackdowns, with the line between legitimate and low-budget being razor-thin.
Reporting from 1 source: Game Spark.
Ternox Games, developer of STONKS-9800 and Legend of Himari, reported on X on August 21, 2026, that Sony rescinded the termination of its PlayStation developer and publisher contract. The initial termination, reported August 17, sparked speculation that the company was mistaken for a shovelware maker due to its low-price games and easy trophies. The reason remains undisclosed.
Ternox Games said on X that Sony reversed its decision to terminate the PlayStation developer and publisher agreement, just four days after the company reported the unilateral cancellation. The original termination drew attention because of the company's catalog: alongside the well-received STONKS-9800 and Legend of Himari, the PlayStation Store search for 'ternox' shows simple 2D works, smartphone ports, and games like Finger Fitness that look like low-budget gags.
Kotaku, noting Sony's push since March 2026 to remove shovelware makers, said Ternox is by no means such a maker given its positively reviewed titles. Reddit speculation pointed to high trophy and achievement unlock rates in its games. The reason for the initial revocation remains undisclosed.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.