The commencement of a new year marks a fresh beginning for the gaming industry, not only in terms of new video game launches but also in the realm of video game subscription services. In 2023, both Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus experienced noteworthy success, fueled by consecutive high-quality AAA releases. It is evident that both services aim to sustain this positive momentum throughout 2024. This commitment is already evident, as Xbox Game Pass, despite a slow start in 2023, is set to kick off the year with the release of three impressive titles in January 2024. Following its established pattern, Sony has also unveiled the free games for PS Plus in January 2024, with the announcements for Extra and Premium games anticipated on January 10th.
PS Plus members have the opportunity to acquire A Plague Tale: Requiem, Evil West, and Nobody Saves the World, setting a stylish tone for the start of the new year. Yet, with the PS Plus Extra traditionally featuring the month’s top-tier offerings, enthusiasts can anticipate an enhancement to an already impressive lineup. If PS Plus maintains this positive trajectory in 2024, fans can confidently anticipate continual improvements to an already outstanding service.
PS Plus Essential Games for 2024
PS Plus Essential, traditionally comprising the monthly free games ranging from 2 to 4 across various platforms, has remained relatively consistent over the years. As Sony transitioned to a new three-tier system, the focus became clear: providing three games of consistently solid quality. While there have been occasional lackluster months in PS Plus releases, overall, the Essential Tier successfully delivers quality games to its base subscribers.
It’s important to highlight that March consistently stands out as the premier month for PS Plus each year. The Big March pattern has witnessed the inclusion of major titles like Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Bloodborne over several years. However, the continuity of this pattern remains uncertain. Although some March months, such as the PS Plus free games for March 2023, have been perceived as weaker, it’s uncertain whether this trend will persist or if a new pattern will emerge.
As fans look ahead, it’s crucial to bear in mind that PS Plus Essential functions as the foundational tier. There’s a valid concern that Sony might, at some point, opt to diminish the value of this tier in favor of promoting subscriptions to PS Plus Extra or PS Plus Premium. One potential approach could be providing fewer or subpar games on this service. The fact that PS Plus Extra often takes the spotlight in monthly offerings adds weight to this concern. While this scenario might not unfold in 2024, there remains a sense of apprehension. Ideally, such a shift won’t occur, but if it does, it might not happen imminently. Fans should maintain realistic expectations and be prepared for possible adjustments in the monthly offerings.
PS Plus Extra Games for 2024
Unlike the relatively stable nature of PS Plus‘ Essential Tier, some adjustments to PS Plus Extra in 2024 would be reasonable to anticipate. Since its introduction, Sony has consistently offered a generous range of 12 to nearly 20 games each month within this tier. What sets it apart is the curated selection, comprising a mix of high-quality AAA and indie releases, rather than an indiscriminate assortment. However, the question arises about the sustainability of this model. Adding lower-quality games to a pool of 12-20 titles could potentially harm the service’s overall appeal. A more prudent approach might involve consistently offering around 10 games per month. While this adjustment might not necessarily occur in 2024, PS Plus Extra, unlike its Essential counterpart, appears to be in a dynamic state, open to change. In 2023, the tier demonstrated its capabilities, leaving the future, whether near or distant, uncertain.
PS Plus Premium Games for 2024
PS Plus Premium and PS Plus Extra differ in three key aspects: Cloud Streaming, Game Trials, and the Classic Games Catalog. While PS Plus Premium introduced notable classics like Legend of Dragoon in 2023, it still appears to be a tier with something to prove. Cloud Streaming, with its niche appeal, and Game Trials, though enjoyable, may not be compelling enough reasons for users to upgrade from Extra to Premium. The Classic Games Catalog relies on nostalgia, but the limited number of additions to this catalog might not be a sufficient draw. Enhancements, such as an expanded classic games selection or additional features, could potentially make PS Plus Premium more appealing. However, whether such improvements will materialize in 2024 remains uncertain.
