Sony refreshes PS Plus catalog with game removals

Video game subscription services offer excellent value for players wanting to sample multiple titles without purchasing each individually, but frustratingly, highly anticipated games often disappear from these services without warning. Why do platforms like PlayStation and Xbox frequently remove titles from PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass—including their own first-party games? A Sony executive recently shed some light on PlayStation's approach.

In a Game File interview with Nick Maguire, PlayStation's VP of Global Services, he addressed the frequent delisting of games from PS Plus. In May alone, over 20 titles were removed. While some removals are understandable—like GTA 5, likely due to expiring third-party licensing deals—it’s puzzling when Sony pulls its own classics like Infamous: Second Son, Resistance: Fall of Man, and Resistance 2.

"We boast 80 game collections across our catalog," Maguire explained. "To maintain freshness and introduce new titles, we occasionally remove some games—encouraging players to discover different experiences."

Maguire also touched on PlayStation Plus's sustained popularity, noting that "engagement has never been higher." While he avoided specifics on pricing’s impact (after last year’s subscription hikes) or subscriber figures, he revealed Sony’s strategy behind game selection. The company aims to strategically time releases, such as adding a game just ahead of its sequel’s launch to boost franchise momentum. Additionally, Sony targets adding roughly one classic game monthly, though emulation challenges sometimes delay this goal.

However, Sony won’t follow Xbox’s approach of releasing first-party titles on PS Plus simultaneously with their launch. "We remain committed to our strategy," Maguire stated, "avoiding day-one inclusions."

PlayStation recently unveiled July’s PS Plus lineup, featuring Diablo 4, The King of Fighters XV, and Jusant.