Subscription Services
Ongoing coverage on Subscription Services.
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Sony Aims to Drive PS Plus Profits by 'Improving Service Proposition'
Sony achieved record profitability for its gaming division in the past fiscal year, with PlayStation Plus being a significant contributor. The company aims to further drive profits by enhancing user engagement, improving the service proposition and content, and encouraging users to upgrade to higher subscription tiers.
Halo: Campaign Evolved PS5 players will require an Xbox account and gamertag to play – as well as PS Plus to play split-screen co-op
Players will need an Xbox account and gamertag to play Halo: Campaign Evolved on PlayStation 5, regardless of platform, to ensure smooth cross-platform progression. Additionally, PlayStation 5 players will require a PlayStation Plus subscription linked to a Microsoft account for split-screen and online co-op play.
Halo Campaign Evolved's PS5 port has strict split-screen co-op requirements: both players need PSN memberships and…
The upcoming PlayStation 5 port of Halo: Campaign Evolved will require both players to have PlayStation Plus memberships for split-screen and online co-op, a stricter requirement than on Xbox Series X|S. Players on all platforms will need a Microsoft account and Xbox Gamertag for cross-platform progression. The game also features dynamic difficulty scaling based on player count.
Halo PS5 Backtracks PS Plus Co-Op Demands, Says They Were a Mistake
Developer Halo Studios has backtracked on its previous statement, clarifying that Halo: Campaign Evolved on PlayStation 5 will not require a PlayStation Plus membership for local split-screen co-op. While each player will need a PlayStation account and a linked Microsoft account, the PS Plus subscription is no longer mandatory for offline co-op play, a change that has been met with significant player criticism.
Uproar as Halo PS5 Demands 2 PS Plus Subscriptions for Local Co-Op
Halo: Campaign Evolved on PlayStation 5 is facing backlash for requiring two PlayStation Plus subscriptions for local split-screen co-op, despite being an offline mode. Players also need separate Microsoft accounts linked to their PSN profiles. This requirement is unusual for PS5 local co-op titles and has led to significant player criticism and discussion about whether Microsoft or Sony is responsible for the policy.
Here's What's Leaving the PS Plus Library in July 2026
Sony's PlayStation Plus library will remove several titles in July 2026, including Risk of Rain 2, Tropico 6, and Roki. Players have a limited time to access these games before they are no longer available.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
EA SPORTS FC 26 is now available on EA Play, allowing subscribers to access the game. This move is part of Electronic Arts' strategy to expand its subscription service offerings.
Nintendo Download – June 18, 2026 (North America) – The Adventures of Elliot, Wanderstop, Dark Scrolls, more
Nintendo has announced its latest North American eShop releases for the week of June 18, 2026, featuring titles like The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, Wanderstop, and Dark Scrolls for the Nintendo Switch. The update also includes details on upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch 2 and ongoing sales, alongside a promotion for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack memberships.
Xbox's latest tactics display 'a basic misunderstanding of how the interactive entertainment world moves', says former PlayStation exec
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent strategic decisions demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the interactive entertainment industry. He criticizes the company's studio closures, reliance on live service games, and industry consolidation. Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick also previously advised Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella against entering the gaming market, citing a lack of creative DNA.
PS Plus Members Frustrated After Controversial Schedule Update
Sony's recent update to the PlayStation Plus game release schedule in the US, UK, and Japan has caused frustration among subscribers. Players are unhappy with the staggered release dates for Extra and Premium tier games, which differ from the unified release date for the rest of the world. This change has led to confusion and complaints about the service being anti-consumer.
Xbox Game Pass additions for late June include EA Sports FC 26 and RV There Yet?
Xbox Game Pass will be adding EA Sports FC 26 and RV There Yet? to its library in late June. These titles join the growing list of games available through Microsoft's subscription service.
12 PS Plus Extra Game Removals for July 2026 Confirmed
Twelve games are being removed from the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalogues in July 2026, with approximately one month remaining to play them. Notable titles leaving include Risk of Rain 2, Tropico 6, and Cursed to Golf. Subscribers will need to purchase these games if they wish to continue playing them after their removal.
PS Plus Extra, Premium June 2026 Games Rolling Out Now
Sony is rolling out the June 2026 PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium game additions, with a staggered release schedule being tested in the US, UK, and Japan. Titles include Final Fantasy 16, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, Farming Simulator 25, Blades of Fire, Black Desert, Sonic X Shadow Generations, and the PS2 classic Gitaroo Man.
Games Leaving PS Plus in July 2026 Confirmed
Sony has confirmed the initial list of games departing PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium in July 2026, with the departures expected around July 21st. Titles like Risk of Rain 2, Tropico 6, and Cursed to Golf are among those leaving the service, though Cyberpunk 2077 will remain available for now.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Ubisoft is offering a free trial for its Ubisoft+ subscription service from June 18th to June 23rd. This promotion allows players to access a library of games, including new releases and older titles, for a limited time.
If you're already watching YouTube daily, this subscription swap just makes sense
This opinion piece suggests that users who already spend significant time on YouTube might find value in exploring subscription swaps. The article hints at a potential benefit for those already invested in the platform.
Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month, but here's how to pay less
Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month, but this article explores various methods to obtain a membership at a reduced price. It aims to provide readers with strategies for saving money on the subscription service.
Over 20,000 fans are asking Microsoft to drop Xbox’s online paywall
Over 20,000 users on Microsoft's Xbox Player Voice platform are requesting the removal of the online multiplayer paywall. Players argue that paying for consoles and games should be sufficient, especially as online multiplayer is generally free on PC and many free-to-play titles on Xbox no longer require subscriptions. Despite the significant user support, the article notes that Microsoft is unlikely to abandon a long-standing revenue stream without a clear financial benefit.
Poll: Are You Happy with Your PS Plus Extra, Premium Games for June 2026?
This article discusses the June 2026 PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium game offerings, highlighting Final Fantasy 16 as the main draw for the Extra tier. Other notable additions include Sonic X Shadow Generations, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Life Is Strange: Double Exposure, and Blades of Fire. The Premium tier features the PS2 cult classic Gitaroo Man. The author expresses satisfaction with the lineup and solicits reader opinions.
Something for the Weekend – 13/06/26
Nintendo held a surprise Nintendo Direct, revealing a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2, alongside new titles like Final Fantasy Resonance and Xenoblade Genesis. The week also saw reports of major layoffs at Xbox due to subscriber losses and Ubisoft closing two studios. Reviews included Crushed In Time and Midnight Saturn, with previews of Romestead and Dark Heresy.
