With the current-gen version of the Ultimate Edition released last year (and the next-gen version subsequently delayed into 2021), many seemingly paid for the game with a view to waiting to upgrade and play the next-gen version later. Compounding the problem, Ultimate Edition for PS4 was recently discounted on the PS Store, leading to more players buying the game in order to secure a next-gen upgrade.
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 return for the monthly subscription. The move has left many players who paid in advance for the next-gen version upset at the surprise announcement of a far cheaper method of purchase.
PS4 Ultimate Edition is the only way to get a free PS5 upgrade. PS4 Ultimate Edition is put on sale. Less than 2 weeks later PS4 Ultimate Edition is free on PS Plus and no refunds are being issued. Shocking behaviour from Playstation and Remedy. @PlayStationUK @pushsquare @IGNUK
— Matthew Carter (@bigcheese1986) January 28, 2021
To add to the problems, Remedy subsequently announced that save files from the last-gen versions of Control could not be carried over to the next-gen Ultimate Edition, meaning those who started the game on their old consoles will need to restart entirely on their PS5 or Xbox Series console.
Remedy communications director explained that, “The version of our engine in the next-gen Control is way different to the version used in the previous gen Control. Long story short, lot of changes in things like how we handle data etc.” In a separate tweet, he added that save file transfer would not be added in a future patch.
The moves have left some fans frustrated by the lack of communication, and wishing they’d known ahead of time that they would need to play from the start of the game on next-gen, and could have even had that version for free as PS Plus subscribers. Some have requested refunds for their earlier purchase.
@AskPS_UK hey guys I originally bought control the original edition and then platinumed it then the developers stated I would have to buy the ultimate edition for the PS5 upgrade which I did now it’s being made free and available for ps plus, will I get a refund for my purchase?
— Michael Boag (BoAgeYBoY) (@BoAgEyBoY) January 28, 2021
Many have pointed out that when ‘shark-PG’ Maneater was added to PS Plus, subscribers who had recently bought the game were automatically refunded.
@AskPlayStation so i bought Control Ultimate edition less than a week ago for $20 on the psn store. I havnt even played it yet. Was waiting on the ps5 upgrade. Dont i deserve a refund just like everyone got with maneater being ps+ game
— The Jedi ♪ (@jedtgill) January 27, 2021
We’ve contacted Control publisher 505 Games for comment.
Control was IGN’s 2019 Game of the Year, and our Control review said it “creates a captivating, oddball world that never loses the thread of its supernatural tale.” The Ultimate Edition of the game adds a 30 FPS graphics mode with ray-tracing, and a 60 FPS performance mode on PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Joe Skrebels is IGN’s Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.
