Sony announces day one release for PlayStation Plus

Ever since the revised three-tier PlayStation Plus subscription service arrived in 2022, gamers have been wondering if Sony would offer a plethora of day-one releases on the service. After all, this is something that Microsoft offers by the bucket load with Xbox Game Pass, especially when it comes to first-party titles. However, Sony has made it no secret that this is a practice that it does not want to dive into head first. Though to be fair, PS Plus subscribers have had a few day-one releases, it’s just not been to the extent of Xbox Game Pass.

Back in September 2022, PlayStation indie chief Shuhei Yoshida explained to GamesIndustry.biz why Sony has little interest in launching a generous helping of first-party titles on PS Plus. “Our approach is we like to help publishers manage the lifecycle [of a game],” said Yoshida. “It’s like when a movie comes out in the theatre first, and then goes to pay-per-view or streaming or free television. Every time, it generates new revenue or a broader audience. So, in the same kind of way, we believe in the premium release of a title, but after six months or 12 months, when the game’s sales come down, inclusion into PS Plus can help resurface these games.”

However, while AAA day-one releases might be few and far between, that’s not to say that Sony won't be launching indie titles day-one on the subscription service. Already we’ve seen the likes of DKO: Devine Knockout, Bugsnax, Oddworld: Soulstorm, and Stray to name but a few.

What’s more, PlayStation Plus subscribers can also look forward to another indie darling arriving to the service next month with the charming Tchia, developed by Awaceb. Releasing on 21 March 2023, Tchia will be available at no extra cost for PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers on PS5 as well as PS4.