Navigating the PlayStation Plus Landscape: Games Leaving in January 2023 and More
What Games are Leaving PS Plus January 2023?
For PlayStation Plus subscribers, the ebb and flow of the game catalog is a constant consideration. While new titles are regularly added, certain games inevitably depart the service. In January 2023, 11 games left the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers, impacting many gamers’ libraries. These titles included: Bound by Flame, The Council, Electronic Super Joy, Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek, The Last Tinker: City of Colors, Leo’s Fortune, Masters of Anima, Seasons After Fall, Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom, and Space Hulk: Tactics. This removal meant that these games were no longer available to play through the PS Plus subscription unless they were individually purchased. Understanding this movement is vital for subscribers to make the most of their membership.
Understanding the Dynamics of PlayStation Plus
The PlayStation Plus service is structured into different tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. The Essential tier provides monthly free games and online multiplayer access. The Extra tier expands upon this, offering a catalog of hundreds of games to play. The Premium tier includes all the benefits of the other tiers, and also adds classic PlayStation titles and game trials. The games available through the Extra and Premium tiers aren’t permanent fixtures; they rotate as Sony updates their catalog, ensuring a mix of fresh and popular content. This turnover means some titles will leave to make space for others, so staying informed is crucial for subscribers to enjoy their membership to the fullest.
Games That Have Left PlayStation Plus in 2023: A Recap
It’s not just the January removals to consider. Throughout 2023, there have been multiple waves of game departures, which can be frustrating for those who may have had titles on their to-play list. In February 2023, notable games like Metro: Exodus, Saints Row: The Third Remastered, Rad Rodgers, and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – Definitive Edition were removed. Then, in July 2023, the Bioshock series and Stray departed, and in October 2023, 13 titles were removed including Far Cry 4 and 5, and The Quarry. This pattern of removals emphasizes that PlayStation Plus isn’t a static library. Players should be aware that games added through the Extra and Premium tiers aren’t indefinitely available.
Why Do Games Leave PlayStation Plus?
Several factors contribute to why games are removed from the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium game catalogs. Licensing agreements between Sony and game publishers often have expiration dates. Once these agreements end, the games are no longer legally allowed to remain on the service. Sony also rotates games to keep the catalog fresh and appealing to new and existing subscribers. This turnover allows them to feature a variety of games across genres and releases, maintaining an evolving library of titles. Additionally, some games may be removed due to performance issues, or to pave the way for new or more popular titles.
Future Additions to PlayStation Plus
While the removals can be disappointing, the constant additions are a big positive. In the first quarter of 2023, additions like Ghostwire: Tokyo, Immortals Fenyx Rising, and Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection were made. Looking further ahead, 2024 promises the addition of exciting titles like Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, Black Myth: Wukong, and Star Wars Outlaws. This dynamic of removal and addition is a core part of the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium experience. Subscribers should monitor announcements to stay informed of upcoming games.
FAQs About PlayStation Plus Game Removals
To further clarify the nuances of PlayStation Plus game removals, here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that you may find helpful:
1. Do I Lose Access to PS Plus Games if My Subscription Expires?
Yes. If your PlayStation Plus subscription ends, you will lose access to any games downloaded as part of the Extra or Premium tiers, unless you have individually purchased them.
2. Can I Play Games From the PS Plus Collection After It Was Removed?
No. The PlayStation Plus Collection was discontinued on May 9, 2023. If you did not claim those games before that date, they are no longer accessible through the service.
3. How Does Downgrading My PlayStation Plus Tier Affect My Game Library?
If you downgrade from Extra or Premium to Essential, you lose access to the games included in the higher tiers. Only the monthly free games and the games you individually purchased will be available.
4. Will Marvel’s Avengers Return to PlayStation Plus?
It is unlikely. Marvel’s Avengers was removed from PS Plus Extra and also removed from digital stores on September 30, 2023. It is highly unlikely it will return.
5. Where Can I Find Information About Games Leaving PS Plus?
Sony typically announces game departures a short time before they are removed from the catalog, usually in blog posts or through social media channels. Keep an eye on PlayStation’s official channels for updates.
6. Are the Monthly Free Games Affected by Removals?
The monthly free games provided with the PS Plus Essential tier are yours to keep as long as you remain a subscriber. They are not impacted by the rotating game catalogs of the Extra and Premium tiers.
7. Do Games Removed From PS Plus Return to the Service?
It is possible for removed games to return to PS Plus at a later date but it’s not common. There are no guarantees a game will be added back to the service.
8. Does Sony Provide a List of All Games Leaving PS Plus?
Sony provides a list of games that are scheduled to leave in their official announcements before they get removed. These usually don’t come with much notice so its best to keep an eye out for announcements.
9. How Often Does the PS Plus Game Catalog Change?
The PS Plus Extra and Premium catalogs are updated regularly each month. This includes the addition and removal of games so there is always a chance a title will leave.
10. Can I Download Removed PS Plus Games If I Have Already Claimed Them?
You can only access and play games from the Extra or Premium tiers as long as they are available and your subscription is active. Once they are removed, you can’t download them or continue playing them via the subscription.
11. Can I Keep Games if I Claimed Them as Part of PS Plus Extra or Premium?
No, if you claimed games through the Extra and Premium tiers you can only play them while they remain on the service and you have an active subscription to one of those tiers. You do not permanently own those titles.
12. Is There a Way to Request Games to Be Added to or Removed From PS Plus?
While there is no official request system, Sony does listen to community feedback, so discussions on forums and social media can influence future decisions on game selection.
13. What Is the Best Way to Avoid Missing Out on PS Plus Games?
The best strategy is to stay informed through PlayStation’s official channels, plan out which games you want to play, and prioritize titles that have an upcoming removal date.
14. How Many Games Are Usually Available in the PlayStation Plus Extra Catalog?
The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog includes up to 400 titles. The number fluctuates, however, due to the continuous addition and removal of games.
15. Is the PlayStation Plus Premium Tier Worth the Investment if Games Get Removed?
The Premium tier’s value depends on your gaming habits and how much you value its added benefits like game trials and classic games. Despite the removals, the Premium tier offers a large and changing library of content and for some is worth the investment.
In conclusion, understanding the ebb and flow of the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium game catalogs is essential for any subscriber. While the departures in January 2023, and throughout the year, may have been disappointing to some, knowing how the system works will ensure that players make the most of their membership by focusing on playing what is available and staying informed. The regular rotation of games is a constant so keeping track of official news is essential.