Drenched in the warm sunshine of July, we find ourselves standing at the precipice of the latter half of the month. The anticipation among gaming enthusiasts is palpable as our minds wander towards the enticing world of free PlayStation Plus games expected to grace us in August 2023.
Against this excitement, we recently witnessed Microsoft embracing a leaf out of PlayStation’s book, signaling the end of their long-standing Xbox Live Gold service. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Gold will transform into the Xbox Game Pass ‘Core,’ mimicking the transition from the standard PS Plus to PS Plus Essential when Sony combined the service with PlayStation Now.
Being part of the Game Pass Core family means subscribers can anticipate adding around 20 games beyond the regular monthly freebies. These will include crowd-favorite first-party games like Gears 5 and Forza Horizon 4 and noteworthy third-party titles.
This shift illustrates competition’s vital role in technological advancements, prompting companies to evolve, innovate, and improve their offerings, albeit with room for further perfection.
Basking in the Glow of July’s Gaming Bonanza
Before we delve into the future and explore the potential treasures of August, let’s appreciate the wealth of gaming experiences still available for the remainder of July.
Savoring PS Plus Essential Titles for July 2023
This July, PlayStation Plus Essential offers a unique mix of games. Alan Wake Remastered is a beacon for mystery-horror genre lovers with its timeless appeal. Fans of military-themed, first-person shooters can enjoy the undeniably immersive Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Endling — Extinction Is Forever also completes the trio, its presence as intriguing as its title.
An Array of PS Plus Extra Titles for July 2023
For PS Extra subscribers, the second half of July presents a cornucopia of gaming delights. These include:
- It Takes Two — PS4, PS5
- Sniper Elite 5 — PS4, PS5
- Snowrunner — PS4, PS5
- World War Z — PS4, PS5
- The Ascent — PS4, PS5
- Undertale — PS4
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated — PS4
- Melty Blood: Type Lumina — PS4
- Dismantle — PS4, PS5
- Circus Electrique — PS4
- Dynasty Warriors 9 — PS4
- Samurai Warriors 5 — PS4
- My Little Pony: A Maretime Bay Adventure — PS4, PS4
- Fast & Furious: Spy Racers Rise of SH1FT3R — PS4, PS5
- Monster Jam Steel Titans — PS4
Despite not being the most potent lineup PlayStation Plus Extra has seen, games like the collaborative adventure It Takes Two and the distinctive RPG Undertale bring considerable appeal.
Unearthing PS Plus Premium Classics for July 2023
In a nostalgic trip down memory lane, PS Plus Premium members can now enjoy streaming the following classic titles on PS4 or PS5:
- Gravity Rush Portable — PS4, PS5
- Twisted Metal — PS4, PS5
- Twisted Metal 2 — PS4, PS5
These offerings come just in time for fans eagerly awaiting the new TV series based on the Twisted Metal games, set to premiere on Paramount+ at the end of July.
The Road Ahead: PlayStation Plus August 2023
Looking forward, Sony is gearing up to unveil the next wave of PlayStation Plus Essential games on Wednesday, July 26th. While Sony typically announces the lineup on the last Wednesday of each month, variations can occur. However, gamers can invariably look forward to the first Tuesday of the month—August 1st, in this case—for the release of the new games.
PlayStation Plus August 2023: The Crystal Ball
While there are no leaks or rumors about August’s games, the excitement within the gaming community remains undeterred. Gamers await updates on the upcoming releases, with Baldur’s Gate III release on August 3rd possibly pointing towards specific inclusions in the PS Plus titles. Might we see one of the remastered games from the series or perhaps a Dark Alliance game? For now, all we can do is speculate, with our current wishlist including potential contenders such as:
- The Order 1886
- Cult Of The Lamb
- Sifu
- Nier: Automata
- Insurgency Sandstorm
- Elden Ring
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Remembering the impressive lineup from last August, which featured Little Nightmares, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 Cross-Gen Deluxe Bundle, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, one can only wonder what August 2023 has in store for PlayStation Plus subscribers.
What titles are on your gaming wish list for the following PlayStation Plus lineup?
Source: Forbes
