Sony often utilizes PS Plus to generate speculation and anticipation for upcoming releases. A notable example of this strategy occurred when PS Plus added Battlefield 5 in May 2021, only for Battlefield 2042 to be revealed the following month. While the intention behind these actions may be debatable, there is no denying their efficacy in generating hype and fueling rumor mills. Presently, the free games offered through PS Plus for July 2023 seem to follow a similar pattern.
As per usual, fans are granted the opportunity to claim three free games in the PS Plus Essential Tier, and this month boasts a solid lineup. Leading the pack is Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, a title that may not rank among the best in the franchise in recent years, but is undoubtedly a welcome addition for fans of the CoD/FPS genre. Flanking it are Alan Wake Remastered and Endling: Extinction is Forever, both of which are available on both PS4 and PS5. It is worth noting that, apart from Endling, the other two PS Plus games are unique offerings available for a limited time.
PS Plus is Setting Up the Reveal of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
: Alan Wake Remastered provides a timely option for PS Plus fans while they eagerly await the release of Alan Wake 2 in October 2023. For those new to the series, this remastered version offers an excellent opportunity to quickly catch up before the sequel's arrival. Additionally, replaying the game before a new installment is always a satisfying experience. The decision to include Alan Wake in the PS Plus lineup seems logical, although it does evoke memories of previous situations such as the addition of Battlefield 5 or Battlefield 2042 alongside Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.Speculation abounded regarding Battlefield '6' at the time, and similar rumors have persisted about the upcoming Call of Duty game for 2023, believed to be titled Modern Warfare 3. Initially, it was rumored to be a spin-off or expansion, but recent leaks have indicated that it will be a standalone, full-fledged release. Additional leaks have emerged, including leaked maps, a potential release date of November 10, and rumors of the inclusion of zombies as a game feature. It is evident that fans are eagerly anticipating Modern Warfare 3, and the recent addition of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War to PS Plus only serves to intensify their excitement.
Furthermore, according to a leak concerning Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the game is anticipated to be unveiled on August 1, which coincidentally aligns with its addition to PS Plus, mirroring the release strategy of Battlefield. This reveal is expected to take place within the game itself, which has become a common trend for Call of Duty titles in recent years. Notably, the previous in-game reveal for the latest entry, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, lends further credibility to this theory, strengthening the significance of its inclusion in PS Plus. Interestingly, the timing of a Call of Duty game joining PS Plus during the FTC v. Microsoft case raises additional questions, although this is merely a tangential point.
Ultimately, the outcome of the Call of Duty franchise remains uncertain; however, with Call of Duty 2023 practically guaranteed, it is a significant year for the series. With its upcoming inclusion in PS Plus, just a month before the potential reveal, fans should keep a close eye on developments. If the predicted scenario unfolds, it opens up possibilities for other tantalizing teases from PS Plus in the future.
PS Plus subscribers get a handful of games every month.