PS Plus is one of the easiest ways for gamers to build out their libraries, assuming they keep their subscriptions active. Dropping a selection of games included with the cost of the subscription each month, PS Plus subscribers have racked up a considerable number of games since the service was introduced. PS Plus games for December 2021 are solid, though subscribers in Asia are getting an extra free game, and it's a biggie.
On top of getting Godfall: Challenger Edition, LEGO DC Super-Villains, and Mortal Shell, subscribers in Asia will also get access to Judgment, the Yakuza spin-off that follows private detective Takayuki Yagami as he attempts to unravel a case in the fictional district of Kamurocho in Japan. Judgment has been widely praised, with its sequel, Lost Judgment, receiving similar praise when it was released earlier this year.
The announcement comes from the official PlayStation Asia Twitter account, which regularly shares updates on the service and upcoming games. The reception seems positive thus far, as one would expect from an additional free game. However, users outside of the Asia region are expressing disappointment, some stating that they would prefer Judgment over Mortal Shell or Godfall. Godfall, specifically, has caught some flack, as it's not the full version, dropping the main campaign and allowing players to skip straight to the endgame.
It's not entirely clear why Judgment is being offered in Asia and nowhere else, though it isn't that uncommon to see region-specific games offered on the subscription. Asia does seem to get those games more frequently than others, though, likely due to licensing agreements or other deals. PlayStation Plus free games have a lot of hype around them month to month, so it was unlikely that fans would ever miss this announcement from PlayStation Asia.
There are a few possibilities here, though. Perhaps fans in other regions will ultimately be able to claim Judgment for free, though that seems unlikely in the grand scheme of things. The other possibility is that Judgment could be a free PS Plus game for January 2022, or a later month, though fans will need to wait and see.
It's worth noting that PlayStation owners can create an account based in Asia and use it on consoles in other regions, but there are a few things to consider. First, they'll need to either be fine with a fresh account or with paying double the typical subscription cost to retain access to both libraries. Additionally, fans need to swap back and forth between accounts. The free game might not be worth the hassle.
Judgment will be free for PS Plus subscribers in Asia during December 2021.