The PlayStation 4's exclusive title Blacklight: Retribution will officially disappear from gaming libraries on August 31. When Sony's PS4 launched in 2013, its game lineup featured several notable exclusives. While Killzone: Shadow Fall served as the flagship launch title, other games including The Playroom, Knack, and Resogun also captured players' attention.

Among the PS4 launch titles, the free-to-play FPS Blacklight: Retribution stood out as a unique offering. Initially developed for PC, the game became a console exclusive for PlayStation when it launched alongside the PS4. While never released on Xbox or Nintendo platforms, Blacklight: Retribution maintained a dedicated player base for years. The PC version closed in 2019 due to declining player numbers, and though the PS4 version was removed from digital stores in 2024, it remained playable for existing owners - until now.

The inevitable has arrived: Blacklight: Retribution will permanently shut down on PS4 come August 31. Following its delisting earlier this year, the complete termination of services was only a matter of time. After this date, PS4 players will have no official way to experience this piece of gaming history.

While Blacklight: Retribution may seem outdated compared to modern free-to-play FPS titles, its historical significance as a PS4 launch title shouldn't be overlooked. The game received favorable reviews upon release and represented an important milestone in console gaming. Its impending disappearance highlights the importance of initiatives like Stop Killing Games, which aim to preserve gaming heritage. For those fortunate enough to have downloaded the game before its delisting, August 31 represents the final opportunity to experience Blacklight: Retribution in its original form.

Blacklight: Retribution isn't alone in facing shutdown this year. The MMORPG Skyforge will cease operations on October 29, while several EA sports titles are scheduled for termination in 2025. As the PS4 enters its second decade, more of its games will likely follow this path, making each shutdown a reminder of the impermanent nature of digital gaming.