Is NBA 2K23 a PS Plus Game? Your Ultimate Guide
Yes, NBA 2K23 was indeed a PlayStation Plus game, but with a specific timeframe and conditions. It was offered as a free monthly game for PlayStation Plus subscribers across all tiers (Essential, Extra, and Premium) during the month of June 2023. This offer was available from June 6th to July 3rd, 2023. This meant that during this period, PlayStation Plus members could download and play the full game at no additional cost, provided their subscription was active. However, the offer has now expired, and NBA 2K23 is no longer part of the free monthly games available on PS Plus.
Understanding PlayStation Plus Tiers and Free Games
To fully grasp how NBA 2K23 became available on PS Plus, it’s important to understand the tiered structure of the service. PlayStation Plus offers three main subscription levels:
- PlayStation Plus Essential: This is the base tier and includes core benefits such as online multiplayer access, cloud saves, and a selection of free monthly games that change each month. NBA 2K23 was offered as part of this benefit.
- PlayStation Plus Extra: In addition to all the benefits of Essential, Extra provides access to a vast catalog of downloadable games from the PS4 and PS5 eras. These games are available to play while the subscription is active.
- PlayStation Plus Premium: This is the highest tier and includes all the benefits of both Essential and Extra. It also adds access to a library of classic games from older consoles (PS1, PS2, PS3, and PSP), as well as cloud streaming for select titles.
NBA 2K23 was offered as one of the Essential’s free monthly games, making it accessible to all subscribers, regardless of their tier. However, as part of the free monthly games, it was only available to download and play for a limited time while it was part of the free monthly titles. Once July 3rd passed, the game was no longer included in the free titles and could no longer be downloaded for free.
How NBA 2K23 Was Offered as a Free Game
The announcement of NBA 2K23 as a free PS Plus game in June 2023 generated considerable excitement among the gaming community. This was a highly popular title and offered great value for subscribers.
To access the game during its free period, subscribers needed to:
- Have an active PlayStation Plus membership (any tier).
- Navigate to the PlayStation Store on their console or the PlayStation website.
- Find NBA 2K23 in the list of available PS Plus games.
- Add it to their library and download it.
It is important to note that, as with all monthly games, while you can add it to your library during its availability, it can only be played while you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription. Once that subscription ends, you will need to either reactivate the subscription or purchase the game to continue playing.
What Happened After July 3rd?
After July 3rd, 2023, NBA 2K23 was no longer available as a free download for PS Plus subscribers. Users who didn’t add it to their library during the specified period needed to purchase the game to play it. Those who downloaded it during the offer could continue to play the game provided they maintained an active PS Plus subscription. This is standard practice for all free monthly games on PS Plus.
NBA 2K23 Game Modes and Features
NBA 2K23 is a basketball simulation video game known for its realistic gameplay, graphics, and numerous features. Here are some of the main modes and features:
- MyCAREER: A story-driven mode where players create their own basketball star and navigate their career.
- MyTEAM: A mode where players create and manage their dream team using a collection of player cards.
- MyNBA/MyGM: Involves managing an NBA team, making strategic decisions for a successful franchise, and guiding it over many seasons.
- PLAY NOW: Lets players jump into a quick game using real-life NBA and WNBA teams.
- The W: A mode focused on WNBA basketball, allowing players to experience the excitement of women’s professional basketball.
These diverse modes cater to a wide range of preferences within the basketball gaming community, making NBA 2K23 a popular choice for fans of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NBA 2K23 and PS Plus
1. Is NBA 2K23 still on PS Plus?
No, NBA 2K23 is no longer available as a free monthly game for PlayStation Plus subscribers. It was available from June 6th to July 3rd, 2023.
2. When was NBA 2K23 free on PS Plus?
NBA 2K23 was free for PlayStation Plus subscribers from June 6th to July 3rd, 2023.
3. Do I need PS Plus to play 2K23?
Yes, if you claimed it during its free PS Plus period, you need an active PS Plus subscription to continue playing. If you purchased it separately, you don’t need PS Plus to play the offline modes. However, to play online modes, a PlayStation Plus subscription is required regardless of purchase.
4. Can I download 2K23 for free now with PS Plus?
No, the offer to download NBA 2K23 for free with PS Plus expired on July 3rd, 2023.
5. How much does NBA 2K23 cost now?
The cost depends on the version and platform. The standard edition usually ranges from $59.99 to $69.99.
6. What are the current free monthly games on PS Plus?
The free monthly games change each month. Check the official PlayStation blog or your console’s PlayStation Store for the latest lineup. Currently there are different titles available for the monthly free games.
7. What are the different tiers of PS Plus?
There are three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each tier offers varying benefits, with Premium being the most comprehensive.
8. What are some of the benefits of a PS Plus subscription?
PS Plus benefits include: online multiplayer access, free monthly games, cloud saves, exclusive discounts, and access to a library of games (depending on your tier).
9. Is PlayStation Plus worth it?
Whether PS Plus is worth it depends on your gaming habits. If you enjoy online multiplayer and are interested in a collection of games each month, it’s definitely valuable, particularly if you take advantage of all the tiers. The higher tiers are more costly but provide greater access to a broader library of games and additional features.
10. What are the PS Plus monthly games for July 2023?
The PS Plus monthly games for July 2023 included Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Alan Wake Remastered, and Endling – Extinction is Forever.
11. What are the PS Plus free games for August 2023?
The PS Plus Game Catalog for August 2023 included Lost Judgment, Cursed to Golf, Destroy All Humans 2, Sea of Stars, and Moving Out 2.
12. What were the free games on PS Plus in June 2023?
The free games on PS Plus in June 2023 included NBA 2K23, Jurassic World Evolution 2, and Trek to Yomi. In addition to these, other games were added to the Game Catalog including Rogue Legacy 2, Far Cry 6, and TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge.
13. What games are leaving PS Plus this month?
The games that are leaving the PS Plus library are varied and often depend on the month you’re asking about. Check the official PlayStation blog or online gaming news websites for the most current updates. As of October 2023, 13 titles left the service, and a smaller collection of titles is set to leave in November.
14. Can I still play 2K23 if I claimed it for free on PS Plus?
Yes, you can still play 2K23 if you claimed it for free during its availability period, as long as you maintain an active PS Plus subscription. If your subscription ends, you will need to renew the subscription to resume playing the game or buy the game separately.
15. Where can I see the list of PS Plus free games for each month?
You can view the monthly free games on the official PlayStation blog, the PlayStation Store on your console, or various gaming news websites.
By keeping yourself informed about the latest PlayStation Plus offerings and understanding the nuances of its tiered structure, you can make the most of your subscription and enjoy great titles like NBA 2K23 when they become available.