PS Plus: 22 Games Leaving the Library, Including Grand Theft Auto 5 and Resistance Classics

The PlayStation Plus Purge: 22 Games Leaving the Library Next Month

Get ready to bid farewell to 22 games from the PlayStation Plus library, including some high-profile titles that will no longer be available for streaming or purchase. As of May 20, Grand Theft Auto 5, Payday 2: Crimewave Edition, and two first-party Sony PS3 games, Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2, will be removed from the service.

The Unusual Case of First-Party Game Removal

It’s not every day that Sony removes its own first-party games from the PlayStation Plus library. However, this is not the first time it has happened. In August 2024, both Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon: Forbidden West were shockingly removed from the service. The difference this time is that Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2 will completely disappear from modern consoles, making the PS Plus Premium streaming service the last place to play them unless you still have a working PS3.

The Resistance Series: A Forgotten Franchise

The Resistance series, developed by Insomniac, was a popular alternate history first-person shooter franchise that consisted of three games for the PS3. However, the series has been dormant for some time now. In February, Insomniac founder Ted Price revealed that there was a push to get Resistance 4 made, but unfortunately, the game never received the green light. It’s not surprising, given the franchise’s decline in popularity.

What’s Leaving and What’s Staying

In addition to the two Resistance games, InFamous: Second Son, a first-party PS4 game, will also be leaving the PS Plus library. On the other hand, Resistance 3 and Resistance: Retribution will remain available for streaming.

What Does This Mean for PS Plus Members?

For PS Plus members, this means that they will no longer be able to access these games through the service. However, they can still purchase and download them from the PS Store if they haven’t already. For those who still have a working PS3, they will be able to continue playing the games through the PS Plus Premium streaming service.

Actionable Insights and Conclusion

While the removal of these games may be disappointing for some, it’s not uncommon for game libraries to evolve over time. For PS Plus members, it’s essential to keep an eye on the service’s catalog and take advantage of the free monthly games and limited-time trials while they’re still available.

In conclusion, the removal of 22 games from the PlayStation Plus library, including two first-party Sony PS3 games, is a significant change for the service. While it may be a blow to fans of the Resistance series, it’s a reminder that game libraries are constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay informed and adapt to these changes.

Summary

  • 22 games will be removed from the PlayStation Plus library on May 20, including Grand Theft Auto 5, Payday 2: Crimewave Edition, and two first-party Sony PS3 games, Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2.
  • The removal of first-party games is unusual, but not unprecedented, as demonstrated by the removal of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon: Forbidden West in August 2024.
  • The Resistance series has been dormant for some time, and its removal from the service is not surprising.
  • PS Plus members can still purchase and download the removed games from the PS Store if they haven’t already.