Sony’s year-end review reveals a disappointing December for PS Plus Essential subscribers, with the game selection considered the weakest of the year. Despite including acclaimed titles like It Takes Two, engagement dropped by 10.9% compared to November. This decline is attributed to the absence of fresh releases, as most featured games were from 2022 or earlier. As the new year approaches, anticipation builds for the January 2025 game announcements, which will be delayed due to the holiday season.
Sony’s Year-End Review: A Mixed Bag for PS Plus Essential Subscribers
As we approach the end of the year, it’s often said that finishing strong is key. Unfortunately, for Sony, 2024 is wrapping up on a less-than-ideal note. Despite the positive buzz surrounding the Game Awards and Astro Bot’s triumph as Game of the Year, the latest PS Plus Essential game selection has not fared well.
December’s PS Plus Essential Game Lineup Disappoints
Each month, subscribers of PS Plus Essential receive a selection of complimentary games that change over time. However, the lineup for December 2024 has been deemed the weakest of the year, despite having some noteworthy titles. According to insights from TrueTrophies, this December’s offerings garnered the least interest from subscribers, seeing a 10.9% drop in player engagement compared to November. Previously, February held the title for the least successful month, featuring games like Foamstars and Rollerdrome.
This month’s lineup included:
- It Takes Two
- TemTem
- Aliens: Dark Descent
It’s surprising to see a celebrated title like It Takes Two, the 2021 Game of the Year, being part of such a lackluster selection. While it remains a fantastic co-op experience, players may have already tackled its challenges or struggled to find a partner for this adventurous game. Interestingly, Aliens: Dark Descent emerged as the most popular title among the three, which is quite unexpected.
In contrast, October was a standout month for PlayStation, showcasing an impressive lineup that included Doki Doki Literature Club, Dead Space Remake, and WWE 2K24. The latter proved to be a massive hit, especially in the U.S., where wrestling enjoys immense popularity and the game received favorable reviews.
A closer look at the statistics reveals why December fell flat. The absence of a ‘recent’ title to draw players in played a significant role. Most of this year’s standout games, such as EA Sports FC 24, Harry Potter Quidditch Champions, and Sifu, were released at least in 2022, with only a few exceptions. It Takes Two, despite its acclaim, lacks the freshness that often captivates subscribers, which may have contributed to the lack of enthusiasm for December’s offerings.
As we look forward to 2025, it will be intriguing to see what PlayStation Plus has in store. However, the announcement of the free PS Plus games for January 2025 is expected to be delayed due to the holiday season, with the reveal set for January 1.
With the holiday season upon us, Sony is treating PS Plus subscribers to exclusive offers on the PlayStation Store. Additionally, the January Super Sale is ongoing, providing fantastic deals on popular titles for everyone.
Has Astro Bot rightfully earned its Game of the Year title, or is the community divided on this accolade? We’ll share our insights and perspectives from gamers on this hot topic!