PlayStation and Xbox have ruined the PC console port I waited one year for

PlayStation and Xbox are constantly under fire these days, and for good reason. Corporate greed continues to ruin great games like this latest indie PC port.

Since 2025, we’ve seen an enormous influx of ‘friendslop’ games. It sounds like an insulting term, and while it might have been intended as one at first, it’s quickly become one of endearment.

We all love playing games with our friends and when the next big friendslop game lands on PC, the first question is almost always ‘when is it coming to console?’

2025’s hit co-op game PEAK is the latest game to make the jump to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and it’s available now. My excitement for the port has severely dwindled though, as PlayStation and Xbox continue to impose ridiculous restrictions on its platforms.

PEAK is PlayStation and Xbox’s next big co-op game, but it comes at a cost

At first, the console port was praised for having a physical edition that put the likes of Grand Theft Auto VI to shame, but the consensus has quickly turned sour.

An X post by bitterchrysalis highlighted how PEAK needs either PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to work: “Extremely disappointed that this requires a PS+ subscription for online play when PC gamers don't have the same hurdle. If this changes i'll purchase.”

Before the torches and pitchforks come out, know that the developer AGGRO CRAB has nothing to do with it. In fact, AGGRO CRAB even responded to the post.

“This is a thing we don't control,” began the reply. “Only free-to-play games don't require a PS+ subscription.”

Now thankfully, I’ve got PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, as do the friends I plan to play PEAK with, but my question is why do we still need them in the first place?

It’s 2026 and we’re still having to pay monthly fees to play games online, whereas PC players can jump online with no problems. It’s made worse by the copious amount of price-hikes we’ve seen for PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass in recent years.

To me, it’s just one of the many reasons why consoles just aren’t sustainable anymore, as you’re paying a fortune for a box you can’t use until you get a monthly subscription going as well.

Will Xbox Project Helix and the PlayStation 6 fix the problem?

The optimist in me says that Xbox might be on the cusp of some meaningful change for the launch of Project Helix, but perhaps that’s misplaced.

CEO Asha Sharma keeps reiterating that gamers are at the heart of Xbox’s plan going forward and yet rumour has it Project Helix will cost way more than we initially thought.

Xbox is also apparently considering an ‘à la carte’ model for Xbox Game Pass too, meaning you only pay for the features you actually use. It’s a nice idea on paper, but it still sounds like you've to pay for online access.

As for the PlayStation 6, there's probably no point even questioning it. PlayStation Plus isn’t going anywhere, and until further notice, the Essential tier is literally essential for those who want to play online.

The excitement felt for PEAK’s console port has unfortunately faded. It’s not AGGRO CRAB’s fault and it doesn’t affect me personally, but I’m tired of gamers constantly having to fork out wads of cash for the basics.

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