How Many Games Are Added to PS Plus Extra? A Deep Dive
The burning question on every PlayStation gamer’s mind: How many games are added to PS Plus Extra each month? The answer, while not a fixed number, typically revolves around 5-15 games per month. However, this figure is far from set in stone and fluctuates significantly depending on various factors, including licensing agreements, publisher partnerships, and Sony’s overall strategy for the PS Plus service.
Think of it less like a guaranteed quota and more like a curated selection. Sony aims to refresh the catalog with a mix of AAA titles, indie darlings, and hidden gems to keep the subscription feeling fresh and valuable. Some months might see a heavy hitter headline the additions, leading to fewer overall games, while other months could focus on expanding the library with a diverse range of smaller titles.
Understanding the PS Plus Extra Game Additions
The variability in the number of games added each month is a key feature of the PS Plus Extra tier. Unlike the Essential tier, which offers a consistent number of monthly games, Extra operates more like a streaming service with a constantly evolving library.
Key Factors Influencing Game Additions:
- Licensing Agreements: The most significant factor. Sony must negotiate licensing agreements with publishers for each game they add to the service. These agreements dictate the duration the game will be available and the terms of its inclusion.
- Publisher Partnerships: Sony often collaborates with specific publishers to showcase their titles. These partnerships can lead to larger batches of games from a particular publisher being added to the Extra library.
- Game Popularity and Critical Acclaim: While not always a guarantee, games with a strong following or positive critical reception are more likely to be added to attract and retain subscribers.
- Removal of Games: Just as games are added, they are also removed from the PS Plus Extra library. This is due to expiring licensing agreements. The number of removals in a given month can influence the number of additions. Sony typically announces which games are leaving the service well in advance.
- Platform Availability: While predominantly focused on PS4 and PS5 titles, some PS Plus Extra games might also include access to classic PlayStation titles via streaming or download, further diversifying the catalog.
Tracking Game Additions:
Keeping track of the games added (and removed) from PS Plus Extra is essential to maximizing your subscription. Several reliable sources provide this information:
- Official PlayStation Blog: This is the official source for announcements regarding PS Plus Extra game additions.
- Gaming News Websites: Reputable gaming news outlets like IGN, Gamespot, and Eurogamer regularly report on PS Plus updates.
- PlayStation Community Forums: Engaging with the PlayStation community on forums like Reddit and Discord can provide valuable insights and discussions about upcoming and newly added games.
Maximizing Your PS Plus Extra Subscription
With a constantly evolving library, knowing how to best utilize your PS Plus Extra subscription is crucial.
Pro Tips:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the official PlayStation Blog and gaming news websites for announcements about game additions and removals.
- Prioritize Downloads: If a game you want to play is leaving the service soon, prioritize downloading it to ensure you can complete it before it’s removed.
- Explore Different Genres: The PS Plus Extra library offers a wide range of genres. Take advantage of this to discover new games and expand your gaming horizons.
- Check Game Lengths: Before starting a lengthy game, research its approximate playtime to ensure you have enough time to complete it before it potentially leaves the service.
- Utilize the Game Catalog: The PlayStation Store allows you to browse the entire PS Plus Extra game catalog, making it easy to find titles that interest you.
- Consider Game Streaming: Some PS Plus Extra titles, particularly classic games, are only available through streaming. Ensure you have a stable internet connection for optimal streaming performance.
The Future of PS Plus Extra
The PS Plus Extra tier is still relatively new, and Sony is constantly refining the service based on user feedback and market trends. We can expect to see continued evolution in the types of games offered, the frequency of additions, and the overall value proposition. The future is bright, and staying informed about these changes will help you make the most of your subscription.
For more in-depth analysis of gaming trends and their impact on education, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This site provides valuable insights into the intersection of gaming and learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of PS Plus Extra game additions:
1. Are the games added to PS Plus Extra permanently available to play?
No. Games are added to the PS Plus Extra library for a specific period, dictated by licensing agreements. When these agreements expire, the games are removed from the service.
2. How do I know when a game is leaving PS Plus Extra?
Sony typically announces games leaving the service in advance, usually on the official PlayStation Blog and through notifications on your PlayStation console.
3. Can I still play a game after it leaves PS Plus Extra?
No. Once a game is removed from the PS Plus Extra library, you will no longer be able to access it through your subscription. You would need to purchase the game separately to continue playing.
4. Do all games on PS Plus Extra have both PS4 and PS5 versions?
Not necessarily. Some games may only be available on one platform, while others may offer both PS4 and PS5 versions. Check the game’s description on the PlayStation Store to confirm compatibility.
5. Are all games on PS Plus Extra available for download?
No. Some games, particularly classic PlayStation titles, may only be available for streaming.
6. Does my internet speed affect streaming quality on PS Plus Extra?
Yes. A stable and fast internet connection is essential for optimal streaming performance. Poor internet connectivity can result in lag, buffering, and reduced image quality.
7. Can I request specific games to be added to PS Plus Extra?
While Sony doesn’t have a formal request system, you can provide feedback and suggestions through official PlayStation channels, such as the PlayStation Blog or social media.
8. Are there any regional differences in the games offered on PS Plus Extra?
Yes, there can be regional differences in the games available on PS Plus Extra due to licensing agreements and local regulations.
9. Do I need to download games to play them on PS Plus Extra?
For most PS4 and PS5 games, you will need to download them to your console. However, some games, especially classic titles, are available for streaming.
10. How often is the PS Plus Extra game catalog updated?
The PS Plus Extra game catalog is typically updated monthly, with new games added and others removed.
11. Do I get to keep the games I claimed during my PS Plus Extra subscription if I cancel it?
No, you lose access to the games when your PS Plus Extra subscription ends, unless you have purchased them separately.
12. What is the difference between PS Plus Extra and PS Plus Premium?
PS Plus Extra includes a catalog of hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games, while PS Plus Premium adds classic PlayStation titles, game trials, and cloud streaming capabilities.
13. Are indie games typically added to PS Plus Extra?
Yes, indie games are frequently added to PS Plus Extra, offering subscribers a diverse range of gaming experiences beyond AAA titles.
14. Is there a limit to how many games I can download from PS Plus Extra at once?
No, there is no specific limit, but you are restricted by the amount of storage space available on your PlayStation console.
15. Does Sony announce all the games coming to PS Plus Extra in advance?
While they usually announce a selection of the upcoming games, there may be surprise additions that are not revealed beforehand.