PS4 emulator ShadPS4 adds online multiplayer allowing players to bypass PSN

PlayStation 4 emulation has taken a major leap toward full-blown online functionality, as the PS4 emulator ShadPS4 is implementing online multiplayer without requiring access to PSN. Instead, users will use a different networking option: ShadNet. The developers behind the emulator that brought Bloodborne to PC with better visuals and higher resolutions than were previously possible have announced ShadNet, an open-source custom server project that will allow PC players to play PS4 games without ever needing to connect to Sony’s PlayStation Network or have a PS Plus account.

The ShadPS4 team enthusiastically announced on its website:

“We are excited to officially announce ShadNet. ShadNet is going to offer ShadPS4 users a way to connect and play online games together. This project has been in the works for a few months now, but it’s at a stage where we can officially announce it.”

However, the team was transparent about the limitations of the current ShadNet ecosystem, stating: “ShadNet is still in development, and there is still a lot to be done, but it’s ready for testing. At this moment, only score tracking works, but please feel free to give it a try!”

Players using ShadPS4 can already register for accounts on the emulator’s website. The project uses the same approach as RPCN, the custom server solution that has been popular with the PS3 emulator RPCS3.

ShadNet was announced after the PS4 emulator’s biggest update rolled out. In late May, ShadPS4 0.16.0 was released with a long list of tweaks and bug fixes. The developers said:

“The shadPS4 team is excited to announce the release of shadPS4 v0.16.0, our largest update to date. This release delivers major improvements across emulation accuracy, graphics, audio, input handling, user experience, platform support, and developer infrastructure.”

Key developments include a new config system, support for local multiplayer, improved Vulkan API stability, and expanded Neo GPU feature support, increasing compatibility with PS4 Pro-enhanced titles.

Despite ShadPS4’s strides in the PlayStation 4 emulation space, Sony has not taken any action against the team over the past two years. Given that the team is bypassing PSN with its own custom server-based multiplayer integration for emulated PS4 titles, Sony could step in at any moment and issue a cease-and-desist.

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