Subscription Services
Ongoing coverage on Subscription Services.
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PlayStation Plus Extra April 2026 Game Disappears From Catalog
The action game Squirrel With a Gun has unexpectedly disappeared from the PlayStation Plus Extra catalog, despite not being scheduled for removal. While previously downloaded copies remain accessible, new players are unable to redeem it. This is likely a temporary glitch affecting the PlayStation Store, as the game was only added four months ago.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has seen a surge in players due to Nolan film
Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Odyssey has experienced a significant increase in daily active players, reaching 233,000 across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms shortly after the release of Christopher Nolan's film 'The Odyssey'. This surge, a 90% increase from July 17, is largely attributed to subscription services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, with player counts on PlayStation and Xbox more than doubling.
Google Voice paid subscriptions offer more than just a phone number
Google Voice is offering paid subscriptions that provide enhanced features beyond just a phone number. The article aims to help users decide if the upgraded features justify the cost compared to the free version.
Analyst data: Assassin's Creed Odyssey experiences surge in daily active users following Christopher Nolan film
Following the release of the Christopher Nolan film 'Odyssey', Assassin's Creed Odyssey saw a 90% increase in daily active users across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. Engagement surged from 122,000 to 233,000 users within ten days, with Xbox showing the largest increase. Analysts attribute this spike to the game's availability on subscription services like Game Pass and PlayStation Plus.
Are remote car starters still worth it in 2026?
The article analyzes the continued value of remote car starters, noting that while some newer vehicles include the feature, it may require a monthly subscription. Alternatively, remote starters can be purchased outright.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for August include Dying Light 2 Stay Human - Reloaded Edition, Big Walk, and Signalis. These titles will be available to subscribers of the PlayStation Plus service.
PlayStation Store Update Worldwide July 28, 2026
Sony's PlayStation Store has received its weekly update, adding new content, games, and add-ons for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation VR owners. The July PlayStation Plus Essential lineup includes Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Cross Code, and For the King.
Xbox Game Pass failed to hit subscriber targets because most people don't play lots of games, says analyst, and going indie won't save it: "I don't see a solution"
Industry analyst Mat Piscatella suggests that Xbox Game Pass failed to meet subscriber targets primarily because the average consumer does not play many games. He argues that focusing on indie titles would further alienate the mainstream audience and worsen the service's outlook. Piscatella believes that the subscription model itself faces significant challenges in the current market, stating he sees no viable solution for Game Pass's struggles.
Here Are Your Free PlayStation Plus Essential Monthly Games For August, 2026
PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers will receive Dying Light 2, Big Walk, and Signalis for free in August 2026. Dying Light 2 is highlighted for its zombie-infested world and cooperative gameplay.
Sony Confirms PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for August 2026, Headlined by Dying Light 2: Stay Human
Sony has announced that Dying Light 2: Stay Human - Reloaded Edition will be one of the PlayStation Plus monthly games for August 2026. This offering is part of the ongoing benefits for PlayStation Plus subscribers.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
This article analyzes the impact of Xbox Game Pass, discussing how subscription services, cloud gaming, and streaming were intended to revitalize Xbox. It argues that these strategies may be negatively affecting the company's overall business.
YouTube Premium will soon include Peacock at no extra cost
YouTube Premium subscribers will soon receive ad-supported Peacock at no additional cost. This new bundle is set to launch early next year, integrating the streaming service into the YouTube Premium offering.
How to Play FC 27 Early: Pre-Order Access & EA Play Trial Guide
Players can access EA Sports FC 27 early by purchasing the Ultimate or Ultimate Plus editions for a 7-day head start, beginning September 18, 2026. Alternatively, an EA Play subscription offers a 10-hour trial on PlayStation, PC, and Xbox starting the same date, with progress carrying over to the full game.
Meccha Chameleon ranks second behind Fortnite in PC revenue for June | Newzoo charts
Meccha Chameleon achieved significant success in June, ranking as the second-highest revenue-generating PC title behind Fortnite according to Newzoo. The indie hit, developed by Lemorion_1224 and Hagneiro, has sold over 15 million copies since its June 10 launch. Newzoo's report also highlighted the sustained commercial momentum of live-service titles and the impact of subscription services on game lifecycles.
Xbox Starts Testing Ad-Supported Cloud Streaming Tier Through Insider Program
Xbox has begun testing a new ad-supported tier for its cloud streaming service exclusively for Xbox Insiders. This tier will feature session limits and display ads before gameplay begins, but will not include a built-in game library and is separate from Game Pass. The company emphasizes that this optional service aims to lower access costs and expand player audiences, with ads designed to be non-intrusive and relevant to the player.
My Nintendo adds Super Mario World desktop metal display, Splatoon Raiders memo pad
My Nintendo has added two new physical rewards in North America: a Super Mario World desktop metal display for paid Nintendo Switch Online members and a Splatoon Raiders memo pad. Both items can be redeemed using Platinum Points, with the Super Mario World display being an exclusive for subscribers.
Amazon Luna cloud gaming platform now added to Prime Video in the US and UK
Amazon has integrated its cloud gaming service, Amazon Luna, into Prime Video for subscribers in the US and UK. This integration allows Prime members to access a library of over 100 games, including titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Hogwarts Legacy, directly through the Prime Video app on Fire TV devices. Amazon aims to make game discovery more natural and accessible for its Prime subscriber base.
Forza Horizon 5’s ex-creative director pins Xbox’s turmoil on Game Pass
Mike Brown, former creative director for Forza Horizon 5, suggests that Xbox's recent turmoil, including layoffs and project cancellations, stems from Game Pass failing to meet subscriber and revenue targets. He argues that Microsoft invested heavily in the subscription service and studio acquisitions based on projections that did not materialize, leading to financial strain.
Playstation Plus is saying goodbye to these games in August 2026
Sony Interactive Entertainment's PlayStation Plus service will remove Dead Island 2, Harold Halibut, and seven other titles in August 2026. This affects subscribers who may lose access to these games on PlayStation 5.
Xbox Game Pass isn’t "viable" with so few subscribers, says former Forza lead bracing for more…
Former Forza Horizon 5 director Mike Brown stated that Xbox Game Pass is not viable due to insufficient subscriber numbers, leading to recent studio layoffs. He believes the service's player-focused concept, while well-intentioned, has not met the necessary financial targets. Journalist Jason Schreier also noted that some Xbox studio leadership detest Game Pass, viewing it as detrimental to game value and the industry.
