PlayStation 4 emulation on PC via the ShadPS4 emulator is set to reach new heights. The developers behind the emulator have revealed ShadNet, an open-source infrastructure project designed to allow users to play multiplayer games online.
The ShadPS4 team has been working on ShadNet for a few months, and it’s now ready for testing. According to the announcement on the ShadPS4 official website, ShadNet will offer users a way to connect and play online games together.
Account registrations are already open, but the ShadNet launcher is not yet available. This development is impressive, considering the ShadPS4 emulator could barely go in-game in Bloodborne just two years ago.
ShadNet will make it possible to enjoy FromSoftware’s action RPG with its full set of multiplayer features, as well as play many other games online as if on a real system with a PlayStation Plus subscription.
This could lead Sony to take some action, given its plans to maximize revenue for the subscription service. However, since the Japanese company hasn’t taken any action against the ShadPS4 emulator yet, it’s difficult to say what will happen next.
In June 2026, the ShadPS4 team launched the emulator’s version 0.16.0, the biggest update to date. This update significantly enhanced emulation with a new configuration system for improved settings management, local multiplayer support, improved Vulkan stability, and expanded Neo GPU instruction to improve compatibility of games using PlayStation 4 Pro features.
They made notable progress, especially considering the emulator’s limitations just a few years ago. With ShadNet, users will be able to play multiplayer games online without relying on Sony’s services, such as inference chip technology for enhanced gaming performance.
The fact that ShadNet is ready for testing is a significant step forward for the ShadPS4 community. According to the report, there is still a lot to be done, but the ShadPS4 team’s efforts have made it possible for users to play Bloodborne on PC with enhanced visuals and performance.
As it continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Sony responds to these developments. For now, ShadNet offers a promising solution for users who want to play multiplayer games online without relying on PlayStation Network.
ShadNet’s Potential Impact
The introduction of ShadNet could have significant implications for the gaming community. By allowing users to play multiplayer games online without PlayStation Network, ShadNet could potentially change the way people play games on PC, similar to how virtual reality technology has changed the gaming setting.
For more information on ShadNet and the ShadPS4 emulator, users can visit the ShadPS4 official website. The website provides updates on the emulator’s development and offers a community forum for users to discuss their experiences.
The gaming setting continues to evolve. It will be interesting to see how ShadNet and the ShadPS4 emulator fit into the bigger picture, especially with developments like the cancelled Blade game and other changes in the industry.