PS Plus has been embroiled in controversy in the past week or so. In addition to unveiling the free games for September, Sony has announced a significant price hike for the subscription service. This has led to many fans questioning the value of their subscription and subsequently cancelling it. The timing of the price increase is particularly unfortunate, as the current selection of games available on PS Plus is weaker than usual. Furthermore, one of the key selling points of the PS Plus Essential Tier is noticeably absent from the lineup.
The free games for September 2023 on PS Plus include Saints Row, Black Desert: Traveler Edition, and Generation Zero. Unfortunately, this selection has left many fans disappointed. To make matters worse, Saints Row's developer, Volition, is being shut down by Embracer Group. This makes the game being offered for free, despite its lackluster reception, feel even worse. Overall, it seems like a lackluster month for PS Plus. The fact that all three games share a similar theme only adds to the disappointment. Sony typically offers a variety of games each month, ensuring that at least one game will appeal to different players. However, this month's selection fails to provide the much-needed variety.
The PS Plus Free Games for September 2023 Are Missing the Key Ingredient
Volition's attempt to redeem Saints Row in the gaming industry fell short, similar to past experiences. The game did not receive positive reviews and failed to gain significant attention in the months following its release. Similarly, Generation Zero was also met with negative criticism at launch. As a result, there is very little initial interest, particularly considering that Black Desert caters to a specific audience as an MMORPG. This limited appeal is exacerbated by the fact that all these games can be categorized as open-world, involving elements of crime action, fantasy RPG, or survival FPS.
Although open-world games are generally popular on platforms like PS Plus due to the extensive content they offer, not every game needs to follow the same pattern. For instance, the free games available on PS Plus in August 2023 showcased a diverse range of genres, including sports, game creation, and action adventure indie RPG. This demonstrates the variety that can be enjoyed by players.
The inclusion of a sports game on PS Plus was not well-received by many, although it was expected. However, the diverse selection of games improved the overall experience for the month as there was something for everyone. If someone is not fond of open-world games, they would consider the free game selection for September as disappointing. Additionally, with the upcoming release of Baldur's Gate 3 on the PS5, which is already available in early access, many gamers are likely to gravitate towards the newer and better-reviewed title.
To summarize, PS Plus has faced challenges in the past week or so. The combination of negative news surrounding PS Plus and its game selection, along with underwhelming game offerings, means that fans will have to wait and see what PS Plus Extra and Premium games for September 2023 have to offer. However, now more than ever, fans should be cautious about the potential decline in quality of the free games on PS Plus due to a stronger focus on the higher tier.
PS Plus subscribers get a handful of games every month.
