Okay, let's talk PlayStation Plus. More specifically, let's talk about how things are… changing. And how, if you're anything like me, you might be scratching your head a little. Or a lot. Remember when “free” PlayStation Plus games were, well, free? I remember browsing the store every month, grabbing whatever looked remotely interesting, and adding it to my library. No commitment, just a perk of being a subscriber. But, that's changing...or maybe already changed, depending on when you are reading this. I’m genuinely confused. Am I the only one?
The End of an Era: The 'Free' PS Plus Games (Kind Of)
So, here's the thing: Sony giveth, and Sony taketh away (eventually). The "free" monthly games, those little digital goodies we've come to expect, are…gone. Vanished. Poof. Okay, not entirely gone. They've morphed into something else. This shift has left many gamers, including yours truly, feeling a little bewildered. I mean, who decided that this was the right way to go?
The new PlayStation Plus tiers (Essential, Extra, and Premium) offer different benefits, but the straightforward “here are some free games, enjoy!” model is no more. Now, you need to be on the Extra or Premium tiers to access a library of games, which, to be fair, is extensive. But it's not the same as those curated monthly freebies. And before you ask, here's a breakdown on the tiers if you are so inclined.
I'm Confused: What Do You Get Exactly Now?
Right, this is where it gets a bit… layered. PlayStation Plus Essential, which is the base tier and essentially the new version of the “old” PS Plus, still gets you online multiplayer access (which is a must for many games), cloud saves, and exclusive discounts. But the “free” games? Replaced by a rotating selection of titles available to Extra and Premium subscribers. But, some titles seem to be removed, only to be re-added later. How many games are removed or added on a given month? Great question. I haven’t found a reliable list yet. I feel like you have to be subscribed to each tier to even notice.
Extra throws in a catalog of PS4 and PS5 games, while Premium adds classic PS1, PS2, and PSP titles, game trials, and cloud streaming. Sounds good, right? Well, it is… if you're interested in the games on offer. The frustrating thing is that Sony is being tight-lipped about the future plans. One month the offering may be amazing; the next, it could be mediocre. This, of course, is all subjective. You might think one month is amazing, and I think it's awful. Who knows?
But here’s what gets me: The psychological effect of “free” is powerful. It's not just about the monetary value; it's about the feeling of getting something extra, a little bonus for being a subscriber. Now, it feels more like renting, which isn’t inherently bad, but it’s a different vibe. On a side note, I encourage you to check out this story on God of War!
Is PlayStation Plus Still Worth It? That's the Question.
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Or, well, the $60-$160-per-year question, depending on your tier. If you play online multiplayer regularly, then Essential is probably still a no-brainer. But if you're primarily interested in single-player experiences, or you have a backlog of games longer than your arm (like me), then the value proposition becomes less clear. I keep coming back to this point because it's crucial. It all depends on your gaming habits.
And honestly, it’s a bit of a gamble. Will the Extra and Premium catalogs have games you actually want to play? Will Sony continue to add compelling new titles? Will they start removing games you're halfway through playing? These are all valid concerns. What's more is that if you were on the fence about being subscribed, you probably are still on the fence. I have yet to hear of any “conversion” stories on this topic.
Actually, that's not quite right. I've heard some folks say the Premium tier is worth it if you're into retro gaming. The ability to play classic titles from older PlayStation consoles is a big draw for some. But for me? I’m more interested in what's new and shiny. Ah well.
But, let’s dive into a brief FAQ section. I’m sure you have some questions.
FAQ: Clearing Up PlayStation Plus Confusion
If I already claimed a "free" PS Plus game, do I still get to keep it?
Yes! Here's the thing: If you added a monthly game to your library while it was available on PlayStation Plus (before the tier changes), it's yours to keep as long as you remain a PlayStation Plus subscriber on any tier (Essential, Extra, or Premium). If your subscription lapses, you'll lose access until you resubscribe. This is, in my opinion, the best part about subscribing to the service. I can play all of the games whenever I want. If I cancel my subscription, I have to re-buy them.
How does the new PlayStation Plus affect the games I already own?
It doesn't! The new PlayStation Plus tiers have no impact on the games you've purchased digitally or physically. Those are yours to play regardless of your subscription status. Thank goodness for that, right?
Why did Sony change the “free” PS Plus games?
Ah, the million-dollar question. Sony hasn't explicitly stated their reasoning, but it's likely a move to compete with services like Xbox Game Pass, which offers a similar library of games for a monthly fee. Sony probably hopes that by offering different tiers with varying benefits, they can attract a wider range of subscribers and generate more revenue. And yes, this does make sense from a business perspective. Whether or not this strategy makes sense from the customer's perspective is up for debate.
I'm confused about which PlayStation Plus tier to choose. Any advice?
Here's my take: If you primarily play online multiplayer games and occasionally take advantage of discounts, PlayStation Plus Essential is probably sufficient. If you want access to a large library of PS4 and PS5 games, PlayStation Plus Extra is a good option. And if you're a retro gaming enthusiast or want to try out game streaming, PlayStation Plus Premium might be worth the extra cost. But before you make a decision, take a look at the games that are currently available on each tier to see if they align with your interests. And consider that EA also has an exclusivity deal!.
Does the "free" PlayStation Plus change affect my digital games prices?
No, the change to the PlayStation Plus program does not directly affect the prices of digital games on the PlayStation Store. Game prices are determined by the publisher and can vary based on factors such as demand, sales, and promotions. However, PlayStation Plus subscribers on all tiers still receive exclusive discounts on select digital games, which can help offset the cost of membership and make purchasing games more affordable.
