Sony Announces Changes Affecting First-Party Titles on PS Plus

I’m going to dive right in, yeah? So, PlayStation Plus subscribers, brace yourselves or whatever, because you’re not getting any day-one first-party games anytime soon. At least, that’s what some bigwig at the company is saying. I mean, there are like 47 million of you out there—or so they claim—but when you compare it to what’s happening over at Xbox Game Pass, you might feel a bit… what’s the word? Let down? Confused? I guess Sony’s got its own groove.

Now, let’s backtrack a bit. Picture this: 2010 was when PlayStation Plus rolled out. It’s like that friend who’s been around forever, throwing monthly games your way and being the gatekeeper of multiplayer magic (and by that, I mean online gaming access). By June 29, 2025, it’ll hit the big 15. Wow, right? So, they’re planning some party or stuff—a variety of top games, a sprinkle of discounts on Sony flicks, and—get this—a tiny window of free multiplayer, just to tease non-subscribers a bit. Classic.

But what about those ‘classics’? That’s what PS Plus is about, those vintage gems, right? Well, according to Nick Maguire—some VP of global services—adding brand-new, first-party games is not on their radar. Can you believe it? They’re all about that long-term strategy or whatever. I get it, kind of. Maybe it’s stability or maybe they just don’t fancy rocking the boat.

Now, talking about boats—sorry, that was a stretch—Xbox Game Pass is like this pirate ship grabbing all the shiny new treasures. Microsoft’s been scooping up studios, and bam, you’ve got games like Tony Hawk’s Pro-Skater 3+4 and Grounded 2 lining up for July. Outer Worlds 2 and Ninja Gaiden 4 in October, oh, and a Fable reboot in 2026. Xbox just seems to have this whole ‘first-party bonanza’ figured out.

Okay, shifting gears again, PlayStation Plus comes in three flavors: Essential, Extra, and Premium. It’s like picking your favorite ice cream but, you know, for games. Maguire says the Premium tier is growing by 18%. Not sure if that’s a flex or just a fun fact, but there it is. Apparently, premium folks are loving it and Sony plans to keep upping their game selection. Maybe I need to check it out myself. Or maybe not. Decisions, right?

Anyway—did I already use ‘anyway’?—PS Plus keeps chugging along, and who knows what’s next. A price hike? More benefits? Just one more thing, and then I’m done rambling: if you’re in the PS Plus camp, don’t hold your breath for those shiny new exclusives. But hey, you’ve got, like, loads of other stuff, so maybe it’s not so bad… or maybe it is. Depends on who you ask, I guess.