Night City is calling, and this time, it’s included with your PlayStation Plus subscription. Sony Interactive Entertainment announced its July lineup of games for PlayStation Plus subscribers, and the headliner is undoubtedly CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077.
The news comes as a welcome surprise to many, especially considering the game’s rocky launch. Cyberpunk 2077 is available starting today, July 9th, alongside the early access launch of Abiotic Factor on July 22nd. The remaining titles in the lineup become available on July 15th.
While the inclusion of a AAA title like Cyberpunk 2077 is noteworthy, some remain skeptical of Sony’s overall strategy. The assumption is that to truly compete with services like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation needs to offer its biggest first-party games day and date. However, Sony has repeatedly pushed back on this notion, and that raises a new question: Is their current model sustainable in the long run?
The full list of games arriving on PlayStation Plus this month includes:
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Abiotic Factor (July 22nd)
- Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
- Bluey: The Videogame
- Planet Zoo
- Risk of Rain 2
- Tropico 6
- New World: Aeternum
PlayStation Plus Premium members also gain access to two classic titles:
- Twisted Metal 3
- Twisted Metal 4
The addition of Cyberpunk 2077 is generating buzz online. “Finally getting around to trying Cyberpunk,” one user commented on X.com. “Heard it’s a completely different experience now. Hopefully, it’s not as buggy as everyone said.” A post on Facebook read, “Twisted Metal! Nostalgia hitting hard! Bring back those memories!”
However, some voices online express concerns. One user commented on Instagram, “Another month, another bunch of games I’ll probably never play. Where are the PSVR2 titles?” This sentiment highlights a key challenge: catering to the diverse tastes within the PlayStation community.
Speaking earlier this month, PlayStation’s vice president of global services, Nick Maguire, defended Sony’s strategy of not releasing major first-party titles on PlayStation Plus at launch. He argued that Sony’s approach, which involves a mix of indie games and older AAA titles, is proving successful. “We’ve sort of stayed true to our strategy across the board, where we’re not looking to put games in day and date,” he explained. “Our strategy of finding four or five independent day-and-date titles , and using that to complement our strategy of bringing games in when they’re 12, 18 months old or older , that balance for us is working really well across the platform.”
But are gamers buying it? While Sony’s subscription numbers remain strong, the long-term impact of not offering day-and-date first-party releases remains to be seen. Microsoft’s Game Pass has undeniably put pressure on Sony to deliver value, and the inclusion of Cyberpunk 2077 suggests they are listening.
The news isn’t universally celebrated, though. For some, the delayed arrival of such titles highlights a different kind of wait. Many eager gamers, now diving into the neon-drenched streets of Night City, have likely already purchased the game, perhaps even at full price. The shift to subscription models is not always an advantage. So, how does Sony balance the needs of its dedicated, early-adopting fanbase with the appeal of attracting new subscribers?
For one, the arrival of *Cyberpunk 2077* on PlayStation Plus is a testament to the game’s remarkable turnaround since its initial release. Plagued by bugs and performance issues, the game was widely criticized and even pulled from the PlayStation Store for a period. However, through consistent patches and updates, CD Projekt Red has managed to redeem the title, earning praise for its improved gameplay, engaging story, and stunning visuals. The first sign was subtle, the community has began to shift in its perspective.
The game’s redemption arc is a powerful story in itself, a narrative of perseverance, resilience, and dedication to delivering a quality gaming experience. It serves as a reminder that even the most troubled launches can be overcome with commitment and a willingness to listen to player feedback.
Ultimately, whether you’re a seasoned Night City veteran or a newcomer eager to explore its gritty streets, the inclusion of Cyberpunk 2077 in July’s PlayStation Plus lineup offers a compelling reason to subscribe or renew your subscription, especially if you’ve been holding off due to its poor lauch. Whether this single title is enough to satisfy gamers remains to be seen, but for many, the price of entry may finally be worth it.
