Sony has made a move affecting US players, as it slows download speeds on their PS4 consoles to ensure a smoother online multiplayer experience.

It was previously reported that Sony already slowed download speeds in the European region to help ease internet constraints.

Now gamers in the US were recently hit with slower downloads too, as updated in the PlayStation Blog:

UPDATE: Beginning today, we will take similar measures in the United States, and we will continue to take appropriate action to do our part to help ensure internet stability as this unprecedented situation continues to evolve. We are grateful for the role we play in helping deliver a sense of community and entertainment in these very trying times. Thank you again for your support, your patience, and for being part of the PlayStation community. Please stay home and stay safe.

For the sake of smooth online gameplay, this move was expected. It goes to show just how huge the surge in demand for online play has been ever since lockdowns have been ordered in parts of the world.

Now that both Europe and the US have slower download speeds, will Asia be next? Honestly, it might be an inevitability. In order to ensure smooth online play, it’s one of the first things Sony is willing to forsake.

Asia is a pretty large region itself and surely, has a huge PS4 player base. It might come the time where even Asia will be forced to face slower download speeds to meet the demand for smooth play online.

Is it that big of a deal? Well, if you have all the games you need throughout our MCO, then it’s not. More so if you are that player who plays a game or two online.

But if you were thinking of buying a game from the PlayStation Store at a later time, I suggest you do it now. Download it immediately if you don’t want to face any potential future effects.