Knowledge is Power

Knowledge is Power

Digital ReleasePlayStation 4 + Companion App
October 24, 2017 (NA)

PlayStation 4 + Companion App
November 22, 2017 (EU)
DelistingNo later than November 01, 2023 – PlayStation 4
DeveloperWish Studios
PublisherSony
Available OnRetail
PlayStation 4 (Amazon, eBay)
LinksPSN Store Page (NA) [Archive]
Android App Store Page
IOS App Store Page

Delisting

There has been no official announcement of Knowledge is Power being delisted, but users first noticed and reported on this title (plus other Sony published PlayLink games) going missing at the beginning of November 2023, the earliest posts being the 1st of November and the 3rd of November.

This is following after the game’s developer Wish Studios being shutdown on the 28th of February 2019, and lack of further support for all PlayLink games by the platform holder/publisher (Sony Interactive Entertainment.) The reasons for the shutdown of the studio are cited as a lack of further funding for PlayLink projects, and no interest from other publishers for different pitches/projects.

The company reports it had been “seeking a publishing deal for one of its two new projects, alongside a search for other funding opportunities”, but was unsuccessful in securing a deal.

MCV News Post – February 28, 2019

Despite the digital removal of this title, the companion mobile app that is required for all gameplay is still currently available on both the Google Play and iOS App stores, although with some caveats.

But it remains in question as to how long the mobile app will be officially supported, due to the nature of how backwards compatibility of apps works across Android & iOS, a device that only runs an Operating System version between the app required minimum and no higher than the OS version available as of the game’s last update would be guaranteed to work with an install (official or otherwise acquired APK.)



About the Game

Statistics:

  • Genre – Quiz, Party, Family.
  • Gameplay Format – General knowledge trivia, Competitive play, Multiplayer only (2-6 Local players).
  • Game Modes – Player chosen question categories.
  • Game Mechanics – ‘Easy to use’ controls (All quiz controls using touchscreen) – “It’s simple – if your Grandma can use Facebook, she can do this.”, Catch up items (sabotaging other players and bolstering self position), Social media posting (post game activities/victory to social media), Photo taking/editing.
  • Hardware Compatibility – Playlink App required (Minimum IOS 9 or Android 4.4 OS version), Backwards Compatibility – No enhancements (PS5) [Playlink app also has reported connection problems over Wi-Fi on PS5].
  • Languages Supported: Text – English, Arabic, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Norwegian Bokmål, Polish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Latin American Spanish, Swedish, Turkish.
    Voice – Exact same as text supported languages.
  • Install Size -5GB Minimum (Stated on Physical Disc Case), 99 MB (Android App), 221.5 MB (IOS App).
  • Launch Price – $19.99, £19.99 (Physical and digital).
  • Age ratingESRB Teen (Drug Reference, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes).
    PEGI 3.
    Android Store – PEGI 12.
    IOS Store – 12+ Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humour.
  • Subscription service availability – PlayStation Plus (Pre-2022 version) August 7, 2018 – November 6, 2018. Given away as ‘Bonus title’ during 3 monthly line-ups.
  • System Stats (Taken from PS5 install) – Parental Controls Level 2 (Age 3 or older), Size 2.75GB, Latest Version 1.01.

PlayStation 4

PSN Store description
Go head-to-head against your friends and family in this quirky, quick-fire quiz game where all you need is a mobile, a TV, your PS4™ and a brain full of general knowledge, trivia, tricks and tactics…

Part of the exclusive PlayLink for PS4™ range, Knowledge is Power challenges up to six brainboxes, bluffers and guessers to pick up a smartphone or tablet to swipe, type and tap in those all-important answers/random guesses.

  • Battle to the top of the gameshow’s Pyramid of Knowledge, answering questions on a wide range of categories.
  • Vote for quiz categories in which you’ll excel – or veto those you dread.
  • Hurl crazy Power Plays into the mix to slow your opponents down – forcing them to tap through ice or rub away gunk before they can even answer.

Companion App

Description from both mobile stores:
“Knowledge is Power is the companion app you need to play the quiz game full of trivia, tricks and tactics for the PlayStation®4 system.

Challenge your friends and family to a battle of brainpower in this competitive quiz for two to six players.

Use your phone or tablet to answer rapid fire general knowledge questions, compete in touch screen challenges and target your rivals with an arsenal of Power Plays.

Make sure your PS4™ system is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your device and then you’re ready to go. Simply follow the in-app instructions to connect.

Use this app to:

Choose a character and snap a selfie using fun filters that match the look

Answer quiz questions without your rivals seeing your choice

Choose from a selection of Power Plays and target your closest rivals

Engage in touch screen challenges to be the faster finger on the sofa

Play ‘Quick Quiz’ using just the app and share your winner’s photo on social media

PlayLink titles are all about social gaming that everyone can enjoy. Pop a game into your PS4™ system, pick up your smartphone or tablet, gather around your TV and prepare for a refreshingly different experience – without the need for multiple DUALSHOCK®4 wireless controllers. http://playstation.com/playlinkforps4

Please note: This app acts as a controller. PS4™ system, the Knowledge is Power game, and the Knowledge is Power Companion App required to play. PS4™ system and the Knowledge is Power game for the PS4™ system sold separately.”

The following notice was uploaded to each mobile store with no other announcement made in publishers communication/marketing channels:

“As of December 14 2023 – Important announcement regarding the companion apps in relation to the following PlayLink games: Chimparty, Frantics, Hidden Agenda, Knowledge is Power, Knowledge is Power Decades and That’s You.

Android users:
If you have already downloaded the companion app to your current device or it has been added to your library, you will continue to be able to play the game with the relevant companion app.
Companion apps to the games above are no longer distributed on the Google Play Store to users whose devices run Android OS versions newer than the following versions.

Chimparty – Android 9
Frantics – Android 11
Hidden Agenda – Android 9
Knowledge is Power – Android 11
Knowledge is Power Decades – Android 11
That’s You – Android 9

Apple iOS users:
You will continue to be able to play the game with the relevant companion app regardless of the iOS versions.”

References, sources and other links:

[All pages added to Wayback Machine.]