It can be easy to dismiss the PlayStation Stars scheme, but opening the handy PS5 app is worth it more than you think. Aside from netting yourself some points that can fund PlayStation Store vouchers or even full games, you can also collect digitized versions of popular Sony characters, consoles, and now former S.I.E CEO Jim Ryan.
Forget showing off Miles Morales’ Adidas shoes from Spider-Man 2 or other references to the best PS5 games available. Sony wants PS5 owners to proudly display this bobblehead visage of Jim Ryan on their digital bookcase. This is part of the ‘Fond Farewell’ reward campaign, which is currently live until Thursday, April 11, 2024. There is something a little harrowing about Jim Ryan’s wobbling eyes staring into your soul, but hey, we can let him off after 30 years of service.
To celebrate his legacy, Sony wants to get the whole community involved in playing new PS5 games: “Help us celebrate Jim Ryan’s 30 years at PlayStation by playing any one of the many impressive games he championed as CEO and get a special digital collectible. Happy retirement, Jim!”
In total, there are six games you can jump into, all of them among the best games in the console’s vast library:
- Gran Turismo 7
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- God of War Ragnarök
- The Last of Us Part 2
- Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart
- Destiny 2
You don’t need to play all of them, just as long as you pick one of these titles, you’ll get to own this virtual iteration of Jim Ryan forever. Don’t worry about forking out any cash if you don’t have any of these games, though. PS Plus Extra members can download Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart right now. Or, as one of many free shooting games out there, Destiny 2 won’t cost you a single penny to acquire.
Ryan’s retirement comes after an announcement last September, which was certainly unexpected. Admiration from peers like Xbox’s Phil Spencer flooded social media, as many people shared their stories of working with the Sony head over the years. One of Ryan’s last major projects was getting the PS5 out the door, at a time when manufacturing units left the ex-CEO with his “head in his hands.”
A one-off PS1-themed PlayStation 5 was also produced for Ryan to commemorate his time at the company. We’re hoping it becomes available to the public, much like the 20th anniversary PlayStation 4.
In related gaming news, GTA 6 might not arrive on PS5 consoles in 2025 due to major delay concerns, and Xbox could be about to challenge Sony with its own handheld console.