What Happens After a Game is Removed from PlayStation Plus?

So, the dreaded day has come. That game you’ve been meaning to sink your teeth into, the one sitting comfortably in your PlayStation library courtesy of PlayStation Plus, is about to be yanked away. What happens now? Simply put, once a game is removed from PlayStation Plus Extra or PlayStation Plus Premium, you lose access to it, even if you’ve already downloaded and installed it. It’s as if the digital key you were borrowing has been returned. The icon will still be on your console, but attempting to launch the game will prompt you to either purchase it or resubscribe to a tier that offers it. This is in stark contrast to the Essential tier games, which you can keep as long as you maintain an active PS Plus subscription. Let’s dive deeper into this process and address some common concerns.

Understanding the PlayStation Plus Tiers

Before we get bogged down in the specifics of game removals, it’s crucial to understand the different PlayStation Plus subscription tiers:

• PlayStation Plus Essential: This is the basic tier. It gives you access to online multiplayer, free monthly games to keep as long as you’re subscribed, exclusive discounts, and cloud storage for save data.

• PlayStation Plus Extra: This tier includes all the benefits of Essential, plus access to a Game Catalog of hundreds of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games. This is where the rotation of games comes into play.

• PlayStation Plus Premium: This is the most expensive tier. It includes all the benefits of Essential and Extra, plus access to a library of classic PlayStation, PS2, and PSP games, as well as game trials.

It’s important to remember that the Game Catalog offered in the Extra and Premium tiers is not permanent. Sony regularly adds and removes titles to keep the selection fresh, mirroring the approach taken by other subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.

The Impact of Game Removal

When a game is removed from the Extra or Premium tiers, it’s removed for all subscribers, regardless of when they downloaded it. The icon will remain on your console, but attempting to launch the game will trigger a lock screen. This screen will prompt you with a few options:

• Purchase the Game: You can buy the game digitally from the PlayStation Store, gaining permanent ownership and the ability to play it whenever you want.

• Resubscribe to a Higher Tier: If the game is still available on a higher tier than your current subscription, upgrading will restore your access.

• Do Nothing: The game will remain installed but inaccessible. You can always purchase it later.

Sony typically announces which games are leaving PlayStation Plus ahead of time, giving you a chance to finish playing them or consider purchasing them before they disappear from the catalog. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on these announcements.

Strategies for Managing Game Removals

Knowing that games will eventually be removed from PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium, you can adopt a few strategies to maximize your enjoyment:

• Prioritize Games: Focus on playing the games you’re most interested in first, especially if you know they’re scheduled to leave the service soon.

• Check Leaving Lists Regularly: Stay informed about which games are being removed each month. Gaming news sites and forums usually compile these lists well in advance.

• Consider Purchasing: If you really love a game that’s leaving the catalog, consider purchasing it, especially if it’s on sale.

• Utilize Game Trials (Premium Only): If you’re unsure about a game, take advantage of the game trials offered with PlayStation Plus Premium to see if it’s worth purchasing.

First-Party vs. Third-Party Games

Generally, first-party games, meaning those developed by Sony’s own studios (e.g., Naughty Dog, Insomniac Games), tend to stay on PlayStation Plus for longer periods, sometimes indefinitely. This is because Sony doesn’t need to re-license its own content. Third-party games, on the other hand, are subject to licensing agreements, which typically last 6 to 12 months. These games are more likely to be rotated in and out of the catalog.

PlayStation Plus Collection Closure

It’s worth mentioning the now-defunct PlayStation Plus Collection on the PS5. This was a selection of PS4 games that were available to PS Plus subscribers upon the console’s launch. However, the PS Plus Collection was closed on May 9, 2023. If you claimed those games before the closure date and remain a PS Plus subscriber, you can still access them.

Is PlayStation Plus Worth It?

Despite the potential for losing access to games, PlayStation Plus remains a valuable service for many gamers. The ability to play online, access free monthly games (with Essential), and explore a vast library of titles (with Extra and Premium) makes it a compelling offering. Whether it’s worth it depends on your individual gaming habits and preferences. If you primarily play online multiplayer games or enjoy trying out a wide variety of titles, a PS Plus subscription is likely a worthwhile investment. Don’t forget to check out organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games can be used for education and personal growth.

FAQs: What Happens After a Game is Removed from PlayStation Plus?

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify the process further:

1. Q: If I download a game from PS Plus Extra/Premium and it gets removed, can I still play it?

   • A: No, you will lose access to the game once it’s removed from the service, even if you’ve downloaded and installed it.

2. Q: Will the game icon disappear from my PlayStation after it’s removed?

   • A: The game icon will remain, but you won’t be able to launch the game without purchasing it or resubscribing to a tier that includes it.

3. Q: How do I know which games are leaving PlayStation Plus each month?

   • A: Sony usually announces which games are leaving the service in advance. Keep an eye on the PlayStation Blog, gaming news websites, and PlayStation forums.

4. Q: Can I get a refund for a game that’s leaving PS Plus if I haven’t finished it?

   • A: No, Sony does not typically offer refunds for games leaving PS Plus. The subscription fee covers access to the entire catalog, not individual games.

5. Q: If I purchase a game after it leaves PS Plus, will my save data still be there?

   • A: Yes, your save data should still be intact, assuming you have cloud saves enabled through PlayStation Plus or the game supports local save backups.

6. Q: Do first-party PlayStation games ever get removed from PS Plus?

   • A: While less common, first-party games can be removed, although they generally stay on the service for longer periods.

7. Q: What happens if I cancel my PlayStation Plus subscription?

   • A: You will lose access to all games claimed through PS Plus, including the monthly games from Essential and the games from the Extra/Premium catalogs, until you resubscribe.

8. Q: Is there a way to keep games from PS Plus permanently?

   • A: Yes, you can keep the monthly games offered through PlayStation Plus Essential as long as you maintain an active subscription. To keep games from the Extra/Premium catalogs permanently, you need to purchase them.

9. Q: Does upgrading my PS Plus tier restore access to removed games?

   • A: If the game is still available on a higher tier than your current subscription, upgrading will restore your access.

10. Q: Are game trials on PS Plus Premium time-limited?

    • A: Yes, game trials on PS Plus Premium have a limited playtime, typically ranging from a few hours to several hours.

11. Q: Is there a difference between how games are removed from PS Plus Extra and Premium?

    • A: No, the removal process is the same for both tiers. If a game is removed from the Game Catalog, it’s removed for both Extra and Premium subscribers.

12. Q: What happens to the PS Plus monthly games if I unsubscribe and then resubscribe later?

    • A: If you claimed the monthly games while your subscription was active, you can access them again when you resubscribe.

13. Q: Can I download a game again if it returns to PlayStation Plus after being removed?

    • A: Yes, if a game returns to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, you can download and play it again as long as it remains available and you have an active subscription.

14. Q: Does PS Plus Premium include all the games from PS Plus Extra?

    • A: Yes, PlayStation Plus Premium includes all the benefits and games from PlayStation Plus Extra.

15. Q: How often does Sony add new games to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium?

    • A: Sony typically adds new games to the Extra and Premium tiers on a monthly basis, usually around the middle of the month.

By understanding the nuances of PlayStation Plus and how game removals work, you can make informed decisions about your subscription and enjoy your gaming experience to the fullest. Remember to stay informed, prioritize your gaming, and consider purchasing titles you truly love.