Unlock a Year-Packed Gaming Bonanza with PS Plus Free Games for August 2023

Highlights

Variety and appeal are important factors for subscription services like PS Plus. Multiplayer and single-player games both have value in attracting subscribers.

Subscription services often have less popularity when it comes to sports games because they cater to a specific and dedicated fanbase.

In order to capture the interest of sports enthusiasts, PS Plus strategically includes a sports title in its August game lineups, capitalizing on the timing between major sports seasons.

Certain genres are more suited for subscription services like PS Plus than others. A crucial aspect for services like PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass is the range of content offered, in terms of both quality and quantity. The goal is to attract as many potential subscribers as possible. Multiplayer games tend to be a reliable choice for PS Plus, as they instantly expand the community. However, single-player games can also be appealing to a significant portion of gamers, despite being less interactive. This is evident from the positive reception of the PS Plus free games for January 2023, which included Fallout 76 and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

On the other hand, the opposite is true as well. While certain genres thrive on these subscription services, others may struggle more. This is particularly the case with sports games. This is not to say that sports games aren't excellent in their own right or that they lack dedicated fanbases. However, they cater to a very specific niche in the gaming industry. To enjoy sports games, individuals must have a love for both video games and sports, combining these passions into an appreciation for sports games. Those who fit this criteria are likely to purchase these games on day one rather than waiting for them to be included in the subscription service, sometimes years later. Interestingly, the PS Plus free games for August 2023 include PGA Tour 2K23, which is less than a year old. Its inclusion indicates a pattern that many fans may not have realized yet.

PS Plus Free Games for August Tend to Include Sports Games

When reflecting on the past few years, it has become evident that PS Plus usually includes a sports game in their August lineup. This is intriguing because it falls between major sports seasons. For instance, while PGA Tour 2K23 showcases a year-long sport, the NFL season begins in September, the NBA season starts in October, and other sports like MLB come to an end in September. In essence, August is an opportune time to cater to sports enthusiasts as it aligns with the close proximity of seasons starting or finishing, which may enhance the appeal of sports titles that might otherwise lack interest on the service. Timing plays a significant role in this regard. The evidence is clear when examining the PS Plus free games offered in previous August months:

PS Plus Free Games for August 2019: WipEout Omega Collection, Sniper Elite 4

PS Plus Free Games for August 2020: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered and Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout.

PS Plus Free Games for August 2021: Hunter's Arena: Legends, Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville, and Tennis World Tour 2.

PS Plus Free Games for August 2022: Little Nightmares, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2, Yakuza: Like a Dragon

PS Plus Free Games for August 2023: PGA Tour 2K23, Death's Door, Dreams

There are two additional factors to consider in this context. Firstly, it is worth noting that Sony continues to offer sports games in other months, although there is significant variety among these titles. While WipEout represents futuristic car racing, it is accompanied by tennis, skateboarding, and golf. Secondly, Fall Guys may be pushing the boundaries of the sports genre, but it is a video game where players partake in sports-like activities such as racing, Fall Ball, and tail tag, which can be considered sports to some extent.

It is always challenging to accurately predict the games that Sony will include in PS Plus; however, there are certain patterns that have emerged over time. These patterns may involve pairing a major AAA game with a small indie game, including a PS5 game for two months to promote its adoption, or releasing a sports title every August. All of these patterns are enjoyable discoveries. In fact, it would be a safe prediction to anticipate a sports game being included in PS Plus' selection for August 2024.

PS Plus subscribers get a handful of games every month.