Mandatory data collection on PlayStation's PC ports

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Background

Starting from 2015 with Helldivers, Sony started porting some of their PlayStation exclusive titles over to Windows via Steam, while also making some of them available through GOG.com.

Data collection pop-up on Horizon Zero Dawn

Mandatory data collection on PlayStation's PC ports

On a fresh start of most PlayStation titles on PC, after the intro sequence, a pop-up appears asking the user if they consent to "Limited Data" or "Full Data & Limited Data" collection. Through the in-game settings, users are able to alternate between the options if they change their mind.

Other than Days Gone, there is no option to fully turn off the data collection through conventional means.

PlayStation's response

As of March 2026, Sony has not issued an statement.

As result of a controversy, Bend Studio, the developers of Days Gone and a first party developer for PlayStation Studios, issued Update 1.04 for the game which provides players with the option to fully opt-out of the data collection.

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Consumer response

A review of Days Gone on Steam stirred up controversy as the poster highlighted the invasive data collection practices. As a result, the developers issed an update which provides players with the option to fully opt-out of the data collection.

Many users expressed their adoration for the games yet simultaneous disdain for the data collection practice. Many even recommended to refund the games as a result.