With the PS5 on the horizon and a purported overhaul of PS Plus likely accompanying it shortly thereafter, it's pretty clear why PS Plus games have been going so big. The past few months have been some of the best games in the service's history, at least everything after May's PS Plus games. Arguably, though, the biggest has been Fall Guys.
PS Plus made Fall Guys free on launch day, with the game quickly breaking records for PS Plus. It had hoped to follow Rocket League in its prior success, but truth be told, it seems like it completely eclipsed it. There's perhaps a variety of reasons for this: the fact that it was free on launch day for PS4, the fact that it's only on PC and PS4, or the very nature of the game as a unique, battle royale-party game.
PS Plus is popular, there's no doubt about that. And it seems pretty clear that Sony is using this to build hype for its next-gen iteration, but its next-gen iteration needs to take the same risks that it took with Fall Guys and Rocket League.
PS Plus on PS5 and Brand New Games
As a subscription service, PS Plus can sometimes be predictable if in pattern only. The games vary, but most months include a big game and one more niche game. This has varied, again, but it's a method that's mostly worked. It's a method that may continue when the industry slows down, but it's one that needs to task risks.
Fall Guys is a prime example of how this risk can pay off, as not only does it bring attention to a relatively smaller game and aids the developer into making it into a real sensation, but it pays off for PS Plus too. Now, not every game will, but when it's going to include niche games like Farm Simulator anyway, these risks may not be as bad as one would think.
It remains to be seen how the PS Plus service operates on PS5, but as games like Fall Guys release, it may be wise to look at adding launch day or launch window games to the service. It's beneficial for everyone involved, and as clearly demonstrated by the desire for Fall Guys on Switch and Xbox One, it's a huge motivator for many gamers the world over.
PS Plus subscribers get 2 free games with their subscription.