What Was the PS Plus Game of the Month for July 2023?
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The PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) Game of the Month for July 2023 was a bit of a misnomer. There were no singular “games of the month” provided to all tiers of PS Plus subscribers that month. Instead, Sony offered a substantial expansion of the game catalog for Extra and Premium subscribers, adding a plethora of new titles. While not presented as specific “monthly games” for Essential tier members, these additions brought a huge amount of value to the higher tiers of the service. There was also no mention of specific “free games” for the month of July, in the same way the monthly essential games are offered. The spotlight for July was clearly on the massive expansion of the Extra and Premium Game Catalog, rather than providing only 3 specific free games.
PS Plus Game Catalog Expansion in July 2023
July 2023 saw the addition of 17 new games to the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium game catalogs. These weren’t just any random games either; the selection included some popular and highly-rated titles, significantly boosting the value of these tiers. This approach differed from the usual monthly free game releases for the Essential tier, focusing instead on enriching the broader library available to subscribers of the more expensive tiers.
The headline games included It Takes Two, a critically acclaimed co-op adventure that requires both players to have a PS Plus subscription to play online, and Circus Electrique, a strategy RPG with a Victorian steampunk setting. These additions alone made the upgrade to Extra or Premium for some players very appealing.
Sniper Elite 5 and SnowRunner
In addition to the general catalog expansion, Sniper Elite 5 and SnowRunner were also highlighted as key additions for July, becoming available to Extra and Premium members on the 18th. This further demonstrated Sony’s strategy to add games across different genres, catering to a diverse audience. Sniper Elite 5 delivered its classic, satisfying sniper gameplay and SnowRunner offered an open-world off-roading experience, showcasing the diverse range of experiences offered via the PS Plus game catalog.
No Specific Essential Tier Monthly Games in July 2023
It’s important to emphasize that while July 2023 brought a wealth of new games, there were no specifically announced “monthly games” for the Essential tier. While Essential members could still access the catalog games if they upgraded to Extra or Premium, they did not receive any additional free games outside of the regular monthly lineup available to all tiers. The real value of July for PS Plus was in the significant expansion of the Extra and Premium game libraries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PlayStation Plus
Here are some common questions about the PS Plus service, covering various aspects of the program:
1. What are the PS Plus tiers?
PlayStation Plus offers three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Essential provides monthly free games, online multiplayer access, and exclusive discounts. Extra includes all the Essential benefits plus a large catalog of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games. Premium offers all the benefits of Extra and Essential, plus a collection of classic games and game trials.
2. How much does PS Plus Extra cost?
PlayStation Plus Extra is priced at $134.99 annually, charged automatically every 12 months.
3. How much does PS Plus Premium cost?
PlayStation Plus Premium costs $159.99 annually, charged automatically every 12 months.
4. What are the “monthly games” on PS Plus?
“Monthly games” are titles offered to PlayStation Plus Essential members (as well as Extra and Premium members) every month to download and play at no extra cost for the duration of their active subscription.
5. What happens to my monthly games if my PS Plus subscription expires?
If your PS Plus subscription lapses, you will lose access to your previously claimed monthly games. You will regain access when you renew your subscription.
6. Do I need PS Plus to play online multiplayer games?
Yes, a PlayStation Plus subscription is generally required to play most PS4 and PS5 games online in multiplayer modes. Some free-to-play games may be exceptions.
7. Can I play PS4 games on my PS5 with PS Plus?
Yes, PS4 games obtained via PS Plus can be played on both PS4 and PS5 consoles.
8. How many games are available in the PS Plus Game Catalog?
The PS Plus Game Catalog offers up to 400 titles, with games added and removed periodically. The specific number available can vary.
9. Are the PS Plus games available forever?
Games acquired through the Monthly Games program are available as long as you have an active subscription. However, games included in the Extra and Premium Game Catalog can be removed from the service at any time.
10. What were the free games for PS Plus in August 2023?
The free PS Plus Monthly Games for August 2023 were PGA Tour 2K23, Dreams, and Death’s Door.
11. What were the free games for PS Plus in October 2023?
The free PS Plus Monthly Games for October 2023 were The Callisto Protocol, Farming Simulator 22, and Weird West.
12. What are some games coming to PS Plus in 2024?
Some games expected to come to PS Plus in 2024 include Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, Black Myth: Wukong, Lost Soul Aside, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, Rise of the Ronin, Suikoden I & II HD Remaster, and Star Wars Outlaws.
13. Can I get a free trial of PlayStation Plus?
Yes, new subscribers can get a 7-day free trial of PlayStation Plus Premium.
14. Does It Takes Two require PS Plus to play online?
Yes, both players need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play It Takes Two online together.
15. What games left PS Plus Extra in September 2023?
Games that left PS Plus Extra and Premium on September 19, 2023, included Deathloop, Chicory: A Colorful Tale, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, Watch Dogs, Watch Dogs 2, Death end re;Quest 2, Nidhogg 2, and Through the Darkest of Times.
Conclusion
While July 2023 didn’t follow the traditional “monthly games” format for the Essential tier, it was a fantastic month for PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers with the massive influx of quality titles. The addition of games like It Takes Two, Circus Electrique, Sniper Elite 5, and SnowRunner significantly enhanced the value proposition of these tiers. The focus on the catalog expansion demonstrated Sony’s evolving strategy with its subscription service, offering players a vast library of games at their fingertips. Understanding the nuances of each PS Plus tier and the content offered can help gamers make the most of their PlayStation gaming experience.