PS4 emulator ShadPS4 gets custom server project for online play without PS Plus

The developers of the PlayStation 4 emulator ShadPS4 have announced ShadNet. This open-source custom server system enables online multiplayer without requiring a connection to the official PlayStation Network (PSN) or a PlayStation Plus account. 

ShadNet emulates network services, allowing PC players to access multiplayer features in emulated titles like Bloodborne. However, the development team has been transparent about current limitations, noting that the ecosystem is still in the early testing phase. This infrastructure uses a similar approach to RPCN, the custom server solution widely used for the PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3. Currently, only score tracking works within the new framework, though account registration has already opened on the emulator's official website. 

The announcement follows the project's largest update to date, shadPS4 v0.16.0, which arrived in late May. That release introduced major updates, including a new config system, local multiplayer support, improved Vulkan API stability, expanded support for Neo GPU features, and increased compatibility with PS4 Pro-enhanced titles.

Sony hasn't taken action against the emulator over its two-year development span. Despite this lack of intervention, introducing a custom server platform that completely bypasses PSN requirements could attract legal scrutiny in the future.

KitGuru says: Have you ever tried shadPS4?

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