Sony’s PlayStation Plus Extra has been a hit or miss over the past few years, but every now and then, we get major wins like Cyberpunk 2077 and even Battlefield 2042 for good measure. While it is a prime offering for AAA titles, it has also become a safe haven for indie games that often struggle with the marketing push needed to reach a wider audience.
This has been Sony’s new strategy for its PlayStation Plus Game Catalog model: offering games that feel “alright” in terms of reception while also giving the spotlight to major indie releases that otherwise would have struggled to gain traction on a traditional launch.
Difference Between Essential, Extra, and Premium
Keep in mind that PlayStation Plus Extra is not the same as its Essential version. Extra is an upgraded tier with a higher subscription fee, while Essential is the standard entry-level option. PlayStation Plus Essential focuses on heavy-hitting AAA titles like Call of Duty and Lies of P, but for a slightly higher price, the Game Catalog under Extra is the perfect way to access hidden gems and underrated titles.
There is also a third, more expensive tier called Premium, which is home to many of the classic PS2, PSP, and PSOne games. That story, however, is for another time.
PlayStation Plus Extra Is an Indie Gaming Haven
One of the most notable PlayStation Plus Game Catalog offerings for indie games was Dogubomb and Raw Fury’s Blue Prince. It’s a roguelike puzzle game where players explore a sprawling mansion filled with intricate secrets. Considered by many as a strong Game of the Year contender, Blue Prince has become an obsession of mine after nearly 50 hours of playtime.
If it weren’t for PlayStation featuring Blue Prince for Extra subscribers, I never would have discovered it, nor would it have gained the “semi-mainstream” popularity it enjoys today.
Don’t Nod’s two-part release Lost Records: Bloom & Rage also found its home on PlayStation Plus Extra. It was the perfect choice for Sony’s subscription model, as it’s a brand-new IP that no longer carries the Life is Strange name the studio is best known for. It would have been a tough sell on its own, but including it in Extra was a great move to attract players who enjoy coming-of-age stories in the vein of Life is Strange.
Right now, PlayStation Plus Extra shows no signs of slowing down. This month, Ubisoft’s The Rogue Prince of Persia was shadow-dropped, a fantastic roguelike that Ubisoft seemingly abandoned with almost no marketing. Another standout is Sword of the Sea from Giant Squid, the creators of ABZU. It’s a cozy and surreal adventure where players surf across a vast desert. Both titles stand out as some of the most interesting releases this year.
Without the support of Sony’s PlayStation Plus Extra indie push, these games would not have received the same level of attention. While the model may not be the most lucrative in terms of direct revenue for indie studios, what matters most is exposure. Word of mouth and visibility in the Game Catalog can go further than marketing budgets ever could.
Chances are, if there is an indie game you want to play this year, it will likely arrive Day One on PlayStation Plus Extra. That has become the new normal, and it may be Sony’s best decision in years.
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