PlayStation Plus Marks 15 Years with Record Engagement and No Day-One First-Party Games

As PlayStation Plus marks its 15th anniversary on June 29, 2025, it’s clear that Sony’s online service has evolved considerably since its launch in 2010. From its humble beginnings, PlayStation Plus has grown into a crucial part of the PlayStation ecosystem, with more players opting for higher-tier memberships like PS Plus Extra and Premium.

In a recent interview, Nick Maguire, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s VP of global services, shared insights on the current state of PlayStation Plus and the future of the service.

One of the biggest talking points surrounding PlayStation Plus is the massive increase in user engagement. According to Maguire, “Engagement in Plus has never been higher than it is right now,” a statement that reflects the success of the restructuring that took place in 2022. The transition to the tiered model has surpassed expectations, offering more value for players while also benefiting partners by bringing in new audiences. This change has led to a surge in subscribers, particularly in the Extra and Premium tiers, though the price hikes have not seemed to affect the overall growth. While Maguire didn’t comment on the price increases directly, he emphasized that Sony is committed to continually investing in PlayStation Plus and improving the service.

Despite the success of the revamped PlayStation Plus, one thing remains constant: Sony has no plans to add its first-party, PlayStation Studios-developed titles to the service on day one. Maguire explained that the company prefers to focus on third-party titles for day-one availability. However, this doesn’t mean that PlayStation Plus subscribers are left out in the cold when it comes to new games. Sony has committed to bringing in independent games at launch to complement the service, with Maguire suggesting that “if there were six or seven great opportunities,” the company would seize them.

When asked about the addition of multiplayer games like Concord to PlayStation Plus, Maguire didn’t give a definitive answer but did stress that the service has been effective in introducing new players to established franchises. This approach allows PlayStation Plus to attract players who may not have considered picking up certain titles otherwise.

Another common complaint among users revolves around the removal of older games from the PlayStation Plus catalog. Maguire acknowledged this issue but explained that the company is constantly updating its offerings, which means sometimes older games must be removed to make way for new titles. With over 80 collections in the catalog, Sony aims to keep things fresh and interesting for subscribers. However, the removal of first-party games like the Resistance series has raised eyebrows, especially since these titles are often hard to find elsewhere.

While the future of PlayStation Plus continues to evolve, Maguire remains optimistic about the direction of the service, emphasizing that Sony is always listening to feedback from users and is dedicated to providing more value for its subscribers. As the gaming landscape shifts and new services emerge, PlayStation Plus will remain a key player in the subscription-based gaming revolution.

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