April 2020’s PS Plus update is shaping up to be a corker, with the free PS4 games including Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and DiRT Rally 2.0. Those two titles alone should keep you occupied if you’re in isolation, but with publishers such as Square Enix and many others giving away free games as part of the Stay Home campaign, should Sony join in?
The manufacturer must be responsible here, of course, as it’s already announced plans to restrict PSN download speeds in both North America and Europe. These bandwidth saving measures are important, because we’re all relying on the Internet more than ever during these unprecedented times; it probably wouldn’t be wise for the manufacturer to giveaway a 100GB game to the PlayStation 4’s entire install base.
But there are definitely some gestures of goodwill it could make as part of the effort to keep people indoors. A free movie stream, for example, would definitely be welcome – it wouldn’t even necessarily need to cost the company much if it was a film distributed by its subsidiary, Columbia Pictures. And what about a smaller title from its back catalogue – Knack or Ratchet & Clank, perhaps?
Sony’s experimented giving away PlayLink titles in the past, and they’re among the best PS4 games for families to play together at home, so could be a good fit. Of course, it doesn’t need to do anything: its console is already providing a valuable distraction during these worrying times. But as a gesture of goodwill, and as part of a wider effort to keep people at home, the platform holder does have a role to play here. Do you think it should get involved?
Comments 110
How about a couple months of free access to Now?
While I'd obviously take any goodwill gestures, I really don't think anything like this is necessary. If it helps encourage people to stay inside, though...
It be nice. But not something they have to do.
I'll take it, but I'm not in isolation, so it really doesn't matter all that much to me. My girlfriend is essential, and I'm essentially disposable, so we still don't have too too much time to game. Also, I got her into JoJo so we've been watching that. :3
@LemonHaze 'Most hardcore gamers, including myself are allready years in isolation haha.'
Upvoted for bringing a smile to my face.
Anything to make PS+ suck less? I'm for it.
I think it would be a nice gesture, especially given the mediocre Plus games this month. PS Now isn’t bad at all but could do with an influx of PS1, PS2 and PS3 games.
What a very very very good idea Push Square.
@NorrinRadd From my experience, they can't handle the bandwidth at some data centers for PS Now as is. Opening it up to everyone sounds like a disaster.
Surely folk have a backlog to get through instead to pass the time. Even if I was in isolation for a couple of months I would still have a sizeable backlog at the end of it.
Anything would be a nice gesture but to be honest my back catalogue is absolutely huge, that and I’m balls deep in a second play through of RDR2
One word:
BACKLOG
The article states that "Square Enix and many others [are] giving away free games", but the link only directs to a Squenix sale, and doesn't mention these "others".
I've got plenty of games to be playing without anybody giving me anymore to play with, call me in 6 months when I might be running low
It would be Nice but as usual the people Would not appreciate it considering whatever game they would give out,people Will whine about it.
If people complain about such a good plus month with UC 4 and Call it mediocore etc than no way Will Sony be able to do any good whatever game they give away.
It Will either be to small,bad,or "Everyone already owns it" nonense
Because people just don't know what they want.
If they were to do something like that it would make more sense to give PS Plus users some store credit or a 50% off voucher code to spend as they wish.
It's absolutely no good Sony handing out free games if the people in isolation already have them.
@NeoTokyo404 'Square Enix and many others [are] giving away free games'
I don't know if you have a PC, but today I got for free, World War Z from the Epic store (whether I'll ever get around to playing it, is another question).
It wouldn't make a meaningful difference to me, but it's definitely a nice gesture, that helps people stay inside their homes in these difficult times. Another possibility would be to remove temporarily the requirement of PS Plus for online gaming.
@nessisonett Mediocre? For Asia, they gave Monster Hunter World along with the 2 games already announced so is quite good at least for those in SEA.
If it happens I wouldn't complain, same with if it doesn't. But a super great sale could be a nice middle ground.
Side note, imagine a fall out new Vegas remaster dropping today out of the blue. That would get millions to stay inside.
CLEAR YOUR BACKLOG!
@RenanKJ when they are having to restrict download speeds to remove stress from networks that would be socially irresponsible
Na. Theres plenty dirt cheap titles on the Store Sale and theres also great titles on PS Now for a few quid a month.
It'd be a nice gesture but I don't expect them to or think they need to do it.
Considering it took almost 2 hours to download a 10gb update for Generation Zero this morning l, its an honourable idea but probably not very practical cos of the throttling, I dint think i'll be downloading the PS+ games next month for that reason
There are no shoulds in such contexts. End of discussion.
@NathanUC
Perhaps, although personally I've never experienced any issues with Now.
Absolutely not. It seems like a good idea but we need some economies running throughout this disaster. Maybe a couple of none selling indie games for sure though, or old psplus games aka pix the cat.
@NorrinRadd When I connect to the Data Centers in the midwest (NA), PSN claims my internet speeds are too low to stream games. I have extremely low latency gigabit fiber to the house...... If i use a VPN to connect to other PSN data centers, it's fine. Issue seems to be with them not load balancing very well.
Should they? No, but it would be nice.
Knack is 45 GB, just sayin'
Unnecessary, but it would be a great thing to do, to give support back and show appreciation to those with nowhere else to go, and plenty of time on their hands!...
...Just maybe not 'a plague tale'!
@NeoTokyo404 I'd be keen to know what squareenix are offering, also.
So long as it's FREE
So what games so far have been given out for free by Square enix and "others"??
First I've heard about this
I wouldn't say no to a free copy of TLOU2.
It would be a nice gesture, but I'm not going to start insisting that companies should be giving out free things.
it would be a great PR move especially when ps4 coming end of its lifespan. wouldnt hurt them to release some games for free. or dirt cheap
gonna say no as it's not Sony's fault that people are having to isolate, that said it would be very rad if they dropped a free games or a month of Now or something but I wouldnt be expecting anything personally
We in Turkey got better than free games :
It’s great that people and companies are out there trying to make this a little easier. I have over 755 PlayStation games and lots more on other systems anybody who’s a gamer knows I haven’t touched 75% of those games. Plenty of backlog games out there and that’s what I’m doing right now. I live in Virginia one of the hardest hit States But I also live in Surry County and we haven’t had any COVID-19 cases at all. I hope all gamers stay healthy, wash your hands and let’s get through this together.
@zeppray You too Sir.
nope not at all, although maybe a sale on PSN would be nice but they don't need to give away anything for free
They should have a small game sale for games under a gigabyte in size.
Do you want more free stuff?
Well hmmmm. Let me think for a sec.......
I Would love a free good Coop game for me and my 9 year old kid... oh well
i dont think they should but it would be appreciated for sure
there's already plenty of free games, those in isolation didn't suddenly become bankrupt overnight
Do you think more would be grateful or complain about the titles?
I do not think its needed, but I am grateful for all the little things Sony does for the players.
@LemonHaze exactly! I have a vitamin D deficiency for Christ's sake, I'm literally the definition of a stay at home, harcore gamer 😁
@nessisonett Some people always find a nonsense thing to cry about. Whats wrong with this you dont like it, you have it? Its still a great offering.
Hold on responsible for what exactly? Its kinda contradicting the fact there is an epidemic going on and the article states that sony are responsible is that all people care about is their bandwidth over actually giving a damn about people dying?
For Coronavirus? No. For the fact that we’e been getting gipped for months by only getting 2 free games sometimes not very good even, yes, yes they need to go back to when Plus was better value.
I'd be happy with the release dates for RE3 & FF7 remake to be moved forward....to yesterday. Failing that, today will do.
How about a reward-based giveaway: Finish campaign modes on both PS+ games, you get your choice of one of the PlayStation Hits titles.
Nope. What would be the point? If it's a game, you'd only have people moaning that it wasn't good enough or they already had it. If it was a movie, the same... but also with everyone including Sony limiting bandwidth to 'preserve the internet', it would be a little hypocritical.
If you're a gamer, you've probably got plenty to be getting on with anyway.
Besides...
@mini_piekarnik err actually depending on which country your in and your self employed or not, lots of people have.
Ive got a massive backlog of games Ive not finished, so Im just playing those...
@get2sammyb It's also not necessary to look out for your neighbours and help little old ladies but only if you don't care about your fellow man.
Not bothered either way, would it be nice? Yeah sure but its not something i'm going to expect.
I think a better gesture would be to make Plus free for this time period and add on a 3rd game to each month during that period, anyone who has subbed beforehand gets those months added on to the their sub so they haven't wasted money.
Yes - If it would help keep people in their house;l however, I would rather Sony put everything into taking care of their employees. Maybe giving away games doesn't help them take care of their employees? Idk.
It would be a nice gesture but I don't think its necessary either. They do give away free games every month to subscribers and have regular sales too.
I would rather see Sony help with finding a cure myself and ensuring that people stay safe. Its not like they don't offer free games and the means to purchase games without leaving the house....
So 20 % here are fools and virtue signaling bootlickers who vote against a free game. Geez.
Yes I'll take a free game.
Really not necessary but a huge STAYHOME super flash sale would be nice. Or just something to acknowledge our situation
@R1spam No. If someone's personal finances evaporated overnight then they were already bankrupt before self isolation. If you're bankrupt you ain't keeping a games console 🤦
As someone who's having to isolate no I don't feel Sony should be giving away games. I'm with @BAMozzy and would rather see Sony giving money to aid finding a cure. Far more useful. I sincerely doubt there are many gamers who don't have unplayed games to play. Not all of us are that low that we're willing to take advantage of a bad situation and be freeloaders like @Powerpellet.
I think people would just complain that they're not getting games they want.
@Eldritch
Sony giving money to find a cure instead... WHAT!????
Take a free game. It's ok. Sonys got it covered.
@Powerpellet - "Take a free game. It's ok" Is it though?
I don't think there'd be much point myself. A game by itself isn't much without a console, and most likely those who do have a console already have enough games to last them. Having a sale, and/or a discount on PS+ would probably be a better idea imo if you still wanted something like it, but like @Eldritch suggested, providing money towards a cure, and/or providing extra supplies for the equipment-starved health services would probably be best at this stage.
Yeah, it'd be a nice gesture for people trapped in the house with nothing to play, but it wouldn't really bother me as I'm trapped in the house with loads to play.
@mini_piekarnik may vary country to country but certainly in uk, debt reclamation is not a profession with key worker status 🙈
I would have liked a new unique blowout sale. Mega March Sale is very bland.
@NorrinRadd plus people might enjoy PS Now and sign up afterwards. Win-win.
Everyone wants something for free. Play your 2 years worth of backlog people!!!!
I voted No because i want the PS4 games i choose are physical, not the digital download.
@NorrinRadd they're restricting speeds and you want the PS users gobbling 3months of game streaming?
@jdv95
That's Human Beings (Never Happy)
The generation of entitlement.
Guys. I get it. There’s not lot a lot of news right now.
But PushSquare going full clickbaity is not a good a look.
Our corporate overlords don’t owe us anything, just as we have the ability to not spend money on anything.
Not just as I was in isolation but everyone in general because how are they going to determine who's in isolation and who's not
@NeoTokyo404 the free games they're talking about are on steamed only
No, not at all. You shouldn't be isolating yourself anyway but if you have no other choice, buy that one game you've been looking at (digitally of course) and play it to 100%. Most gamers barely play half the games they own, so stop wanting a mountain and finish your backlog.
80% of you are entitled and definitely should be ashamed.
@LemonHaze I can't find anywhere online where it says someone with a vitamin D deficiency should not go outside if anything you should be outside more than normal people
@hoffa007 first of all the only people that are dying or people 60 and over that have underlined health conditions or young people that have really bad health conditions in my opinion if you're in that age group that it affects and you don't stay home and you die you deserved it you were warned stay inside away from people you're acting like tens of thousands of normal healthy people are dying everyday
An extra game for PS+ aimed at children would be a good idea... even make it free for all
Knack 2? 🤠
Sony is slowing download speeds to save internet bandwidth. I think giving free games to 100 million console owners would be counter productive to that! LOL
@get2sammyb what free games are being given away and where? Don’t wanna miss out. My daughter is in shielded group so we can’t go out for 12 weeks. Free games are most welcome.... cheers for any info
Plenty of free games available already
new final fantasy would be a good freebie or new resi 3
For some reason people think a free game will somehow stop Sony from donating money to find a cure. I highly doubt that and I'm not sure where that thinking even comes from. The other brain quagmire is that bandwidth is restricted so it would be wrong somehow. Again why the static thinking? Must you suppose it absolutely has to be a giant game? Why not a small one? All this virtue signaling is based on some real leaps of logic. It's ok to get a free game.
@Fight_Teza_Fight so much this, 100% agree with everything you're saying.
@Powerpellet dude it's simple: people are saying that it's not at all necessary and that it isn't a case of "should Sony do it?", cause Sony doesn't owe us anything and it reeks of entitlement.
On the other hand, noone here said that they would actively be against it: if they throw us free games, it's a nice gesture and we'd be happy to have them (at least until people inevitably start complaining because it's not the one they want or they already have it), but why would they feel obligated to do that?
They're a business, not a charity.
And this is where the "donation point" kicks in: if they want to do a charitable deed, it'd be way more useful and commendable if they donated money to pharmaceutical companies and the likes in order to finance the research for a vaccine.
Seems pretty sound and simple logic to me, not sure what's unclear.
A company doing anything to help right now is awesome. I'd suggest a discount for new Playstation+ subscribers, as loads more folks will benefit from the diversion. And continued sales like the current March Madness promotion. Some seriously amazing deals in there
@clvr
It seems your take is that you are siding with the company over the people receiving a game. You dont want Sony to spend the money. You are concerned for them because it would be bad for their bottom line. Magnanimous gestures are not something to be considered. You only see them spending money on a charity which would be more worthy but assume they certainly they could not do both. And it's their call besides.
Amazingly this also is my original point.
@Powerpellet "So your point is that you are siding with the company over the people receiving a game. You dont want Sony to spend the money. You are concerned for them because it would be bad for their bottom line."
You're putting words into my mouth, I never even hinted at caring for Sony's bottom line.
It's their money, they could spend it all on fidget spinners for all I care.
I'm sure they'll get along just fine without my advice or yours, trust me.
I just said that having the pretense that they give people free games in quite an entitled sentiment, in my opinion: if they do, great, it's a nice gesture; if they don't, well, they don't actually owe us anything so I don't think we should expect them to do that.
If anything, an article like this only strengthens your idea.
And yes, of course spending money on a charity is a greater gesture than spending it on games for people wealthy enough to be able to own a game console (and all that entails); again, if they can and are willing to do both, great, they should be commended for that, but let's get our priorities straight.
Sorry, but the fact that you seem to only care about their ability and willingness to give away free games, charity or not, sounds a bit entitled to me.
Yup I feel entitled to the idea of Sony giving me a free game. Being entitled is cooler than being denied.
A few months of free PS PLUS would be nice but I am not bothered really. That would give people 2 free games a month and free online play to just to help people pass the time at the moment.
I would say no because im 100% sure people would complain about something.
@Powerpellet Ask the boss from Amazon he has more then $140 billion and he still has the balls to ask workers to give their holiday money to help out. 😆 👌
Yea not happening. Lets slow everyones speed down, and then lets give them a few games worth over 100gb to download. Yea, just thinking logically
So key workers like myself just jog on and keep the gears working while people in self isolation play free games.......right I think I need to check out of this planet
@Powerpellet I'm not sure why you would feel entitled to a game. That is just nonsense or childish; to me it sounds like you are just bored at home and hoping to stir something up on a chat board.
In the reality of it I voted Meh, cause I honestly couldn't care less what sony does, if the give something like Square or D+ did great if they don't that's completly their perogative too. I have too many games to get through still and found a way to justify buying a few more during the March sale. Happy gaming everyone.
I think I said before that it would be counted as just a gesture if they did it, and they don't need to, just like many streaming sites didn't have to offer a month free. Basically, it's the companies losing money on it, and I'm sure Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo are making money right now with people buying through the online stores. But with everyone at home, the servers would then become too busy, then the complaints would come over that. Also, why sit in front of a TV all day. My kids are doing school work still and learning, because I don't want them sitting in front of the TV all day. Back to the topic though, I don't think it's something that any game company needs to do. I understand Sony did it on the PS3 during the bad break in, but that was an apology. This is something that couldn't have been helped too much.
I think it is really a good idea in times like this it is good to keep up the morale of the world but that said japan have a bonus game of monster hunter which it doesn't seem to be happening here but anyway it would be nice of sony
@Flaming_Kaiser
I didnt know that. That totally sucks
Should they? As in they are under some expected obligation to do so? No. Would it be a kind and generous gesture? Yes, yes it very much would be. But I don't think they should feel like they have to.
Honestly it would be better off if Sony, and many other wealthy companies and elite, donated money to help pay for testing and medical supplies. Providing free games is nice and all, but really does little to actually help anyone.
It'd be a nice gesture to have Sony provide a free game and I wouldn't be complaining if I already have it. But it's also not expected nor necessary. While everyone was defending Sony not giving a game to support their poll position, I was busy enjoying free demo weekend of Predator. Lol
I don't see a requirement at all to do so on their part.
If they feel obliged to , then that would be cool. But that's about where it begins and ends.
...I've literally just finished Nioh 2... I need something else to occupy me! xD
.. companies don't 'have' to do this... but it's such good PR, and also gives the impression they 'care' about their fans... it's win/win/win...
.. in the meantime Surge 2 has just come free on Game Pass - that'll do (and I bought AC: Odyssey on XB1X - if that doesn't keep me busy, nothing will!)
@NorrinRadd And how would that keep you healthy?
Kids today are so incredibly stupid. They need free games to prevent them from risking catching a plague?? THAT’S what they care about?? It’s okay to stay home and play what you have. Heaven forbid you get a little bored. Read a book or two, people, come on.
Tap here to load 110 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...