Subscription Services
Ongoing coverage on Subscription Services.
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PS5 Days of Play 2026 Deals Apparently Come With a Huge Catch
The annual PlayStation Days of Play 2026 sales event has begun in some regions, but it appears to exclude discounts on the PlayStation 5 console and PlayStation Plus subscriptions. While deals on accessories like the DualSense controller and Pulse Elite headset are available, the absence of console and subscription discounts is a significant disappointment for consumers.
Game Pass Adds More Day One Indies As Big RPGs Prepare To Leave
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new indie titles this week, including Echo Generation 2, Crashout Crew, and Kabuto Park, all launching day one on the service. The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition is also joining, while games like Against the Storm and Persona 4 Golden are set to leave on May 31st. The additions span various genres across cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog offers a selection of must-play open-world games accessible through the subscription service. This curated list highlights titles available for players to enjoy, covering various open-world experiences.
Forza Horizon 6 sells 4.9 million copies despite Xbox Game Pass "cannibalizing" revenue, says analyst
Forza Horizon 6 has achieved 4.9 million in sales since its launch, generating $325 million, with a significant portion sold through the Xbox storefront and Game Pass. Analyst Rhys Elliott notes that while Game Pass is cannibalizing direct sales, Microsoft may be banking on subscription lifetime value, though subscription growth is stagnating.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Take-Two Interactive's recent earnings call has sparked speculation about the potential introduction of subscription services for Grand Theft Auto 6. The discussion also touched upon the broader trends of cloud gaming and streaming within the industry.
Games Inbox: Are you cancelling PS Plus because of the price rise?
Readers discuss the recent price increase for PlayStation Plus, with many considering cancelling their subscriptions due to the rising costs and the perceived lack of value compared to PC online play. Other topics include speculation on Grand Theft Auto 6 announcements, the persistent struggles of the Bubsy franchise, and the surprising sales figures of Dino Crisis compared to Ōkami.
PlayStation Plus Prices Across The Board Are Up in A Rather Baffling Choice From Sony
Sony has increased the prices for PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers across monthly and three-month subscriptions. Yearly subscriptions remain unaffected by the price hikes. This follows previous price increases for the PlayStation 5 console and may raise concerns about the future cost of the PlayStation 6.
All PlayStation Plus prices have gone up, despite Sony initially only announcing changes to Essential
Sony has increased the prices for all tiers of its PlayStation Plus subscription service. This change affects all subscription levels, not just the Essential tier as initially communicated.
It's not just PS Plus Essential getting a price hike: Premium and Extra tiers are now more expensive too
Sony has confirmed that all tiers of its PlayStation Plus subscription service, including Extra and Premium, are now more expensive for new customers. This price hike follows a similar increase for the PlayStation 5 console earlier in the year, with Sony citing ongoing market conditions.
Only One Games Subscription Service Is Truly Kid-Friendly
Apple Arcade is presented as a safe haven for children's gaming due to its complete absence of ads and in-app purchases. The service is highlighted for its family-friendly titles, including new crossovers with the popular show Bluey, and its limited data tracking practices. This stands in contrast to platforms like Roblox and Fortnite, which have faced scrutiny for exploitative monetization and data collection practices.
Only One Games Subscription Service Is Truly Kid-Friendly
Apple Arcade is presented as a safe haven for children's gaming due to its complete absence of ads and in-app purchases. The service is highlighted for its family-friendly titles, including new crossovers with the popular show Bluey, and its limited data tracking practices. This stands in contrast to platforms like Roblox and Fortnite, which have faced scrutiny for exploitative monetization and data collection practices.
PS Plus price hike is live – here’s how much every tier now costs
Sony has increased the monthly and three-month subscription prices for PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers. While 12-month subscriptions remain unchanged, the price hikes will affect new subscribers and those who let their subscriptions lapse. The company previously stated these adjustments would be made to maximize profitability.
Sony Quietly Increased the Price of PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium Subscriptions, Too
Sony has increased the prices for its PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscription tiers, contrary to earlier suggestions that only the Essential tier would see a price hike. The company has not provided specific details on the new pricing for these higher tiers.
PlayStation Plus Price Hike Effects All Tiers, Not Just Essential
Sony has announced a price increase for all tiers of its PlayStation Plus subscription service, with an average increase of 11%. While initial communication suggested only the Essential tier would be affected, all subscription lengths and tiers have seen price adjustments, though 12-month subscriptions in some regions like the UK remain unchanged.
PS Plus Price Increases Also Hit Extra, Premium Tiers - Here Are All the New Prices
Sony has increased the prices for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscription tiers globally, affecting new and lapsed customers. While the 12-month subscription price remains unchanged in some regions, others like Australia are seeing increases across all durations. The company's initial communication only mentioned price hikes for the PS Plus Essential tier, leading to criticism of being misleading.
New PS Plus Extra Action Adventure Game Splits PS5 Players
Ubisoft's action-adventure game Star Wars Outlaws, recently added to the PlayStation Plus Extra catalog, is dividing PlayStation 5 players. Despite receiving award nominations and a Metacritic score of 75/100, the game's launch sales were below expectations, and its addition to PS Plus has reignited debate among players regarding its quality and perceived criticisms.
How to get Xbox Games Pass Starter edition from Discord
Discord and Xbox have partnered to offer a Starter Edition of Xbox Game Pass to Discord Nitro subscribers. This limited tier provides 10 hours of monthly game streaming, access to a selection of games, and reward points, but does not include day-one releases or new first-year Xbox Game Studios titles.
'PS5 Is for the Payers': Just 18% Think PS Plus Essential Is Good Value for Money in 2026
A recent poll indicates that only 18% of PlayStation 5 owners believe PlayStation Plus Essential offers good value for money in 2026, with 64% stating it is not worth the cost. This sentiment arises amidst minor price increases for monthly and three-month subscriptions, which Sony appears to be using to encourage annual commitments. Players express frustration over increasing costs for services like online multiplayer and cloud saves, feeling squeezed by rising prices across the industry.
The Google AI Ultra plan now starts at $100 a month
Google has reduced the starting price of its most expensive AI plan, the "Ultra" tier, to $100 per month. This adjustment makes the premium AI service more accessible to a wider range of users.
Plex's lifetime subscription cost is tripling to $750
Plex announced that the cost of its lifetime subscription will triple to $750, effective June 30. This price increase affects the premium plan for the media server and streaming service.