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Claims are spreading online that PlayStation Network will integrate Ripple-linked XRP for payments as early as this quarter. Of course, these reports have attracted the attention of the token community, but based on the facts, the information does not match reality.
As of May 2024, neither Sony Group, nor Ripple, nor the XRPL Foundation has made any statements about a partnership. And yes, the Japanese giant is implementing Web3 payments, but volatile third-party assets are not part of its plans. The corporation is building its own financial vertical.
XRP doesn't fit into Sony's existing token strategy
Speculation around XRP emerged from a misreading of the conglomerate's blockchain activity. Since December last year, Nikkei reports have shown that Sony Bank is working on a project to launch its own regulated stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar.
This asset is being created through the BlockBloom division for internal settlements: payments for games in the PS Store, PSN subscriptions and Crunchyroll content. The company's main motive is pragmatic: reducing transaction costs and moving away from billion-dollar fees paid to Visa and Mastercard. So blockchain payments will appear on PlayStation, but within a controlled internal economy where there is no place for third-party tokens.
A similar desire by big business to control financial flows also explains another long-running rumor in the gaming community: the possible appearance of Bitcoin and Ethereum in Grand Theft Auto VI. Despite theories from crypto enthusiasts, Rockstar Games has provided no data confirming cryptocurrency integration, keeping the game's economy a closed question.
This trend shows why insider claims about XRP integration into PlayStation will remain unrealized hopes as major players like Sony prefer to write their own financial rules. So, while Ripple continues to fight for recognition in the banking sector, the gaming industry is creating an alternative reality where, instead of XRP, millions of gamers will use stablecoins under the direct control of platform owners.
Dan Burgin
