On November 18, 2024, PlayStation Plus subscribers will face a significant blow as Sony has confirmed the departure of 18 games from its game library. The list of games includes heavyweights like Red Dead Redemption 2, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and the entire Kingdom Hearts collection. Among the 18 titles, the most painful loss will be RDR2, a standout and landmark title in gaming history.
Now, as this remarkable title makes its exit from PS Plus for the second time, fans are not happy. Initially, RDR 2 was the flagship title when the revamped PS Plus was introduced and the title slowly became synonymous with the platform. However, now that it is departing alongside other iconic titles, it is a very critical moment for the service and its users.
The Departure of Heavy Hitters From PlayStation Plus
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a beloved title in the open-world genre, and it is taking center stage in this unexpected shakeup of Sony’s online service. When the revamped PlayStation Plus was introduced, it was the flagship title for the service but with its departure once again it is showing the unpredictable nature of digital game libraries.
Nonetheless, this is making players frustrated as their chance to immerse themselves in Arthur Morgan’s gritty and iconic journey is slowly slipping away. However, it is not just Rockstar’s major titles that are leaving the service on November 18th. The entire Kingdom Hearts series is also taking an unexpected departure.
This includes beloved entries like Kingdom Hearts 3 and Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory. This departure affects not only die-hard fans of the franchise but also casual gamers, who were drawn to the unique blend of Disney and Final Fantasy elements.
On the opposite spectrum of the games being removed, the new titles added to the PlayStation Plus library in October 2024 fall very short. While Dead Island 2 stands out as a notable addition, the rest of the lineup lacks the same level of excitement.
With only 14 games joining: 10 for the Extra tier and 4 for the Premium tier, subscribers will not be happy with the loss of iconic titles. This also means that more games are leaving the platforms than joining. This imbalance raises questions about the sustainability and appeal of Sony’s service, especially in a very competitive market.
Sony Needs to Navigate Challenges Ahead
As the gaming landscape evolves, the competition between PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass continues to heat up. Game Pass has recently garnered a reputation for its robust and ever-expanding library, often featuring new titles on the day of release (Black Ops 6 is releasing on October 25th).
With the departure of key titles from PS Plus, especially those from Rockstar Games, Game Pass’s appeal is increasing even more, making it a more attractive option for players who are seeking value.
The approaching exit of Red Dead Redemption 2, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and the Kingdom Hearts series is a significant moment for Sony’s Service. For some time, it will serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of digital gaming libraries and the importance of delivering consistent, quality content to subscribers.
As fans mourn over the loss of these beloved titles very soon, Sony must navigate this challenging landscape carefully. With Game Pass looking to seize any opportunity to win over annoyed PlayStation users, the upcoming months will be a crucial point for both services.
In the end, while PS Plus subscribers are sad that so many beloved titles are leaving the platform, they are hopeful that Sony will find a worthy replacement very soon.
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This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
