It’s become a sort of a monthly tradition at this point.
A week or two before Sony officially announces its PlayStation Plus lineup, leakers divulge one or two games coming to the subscription service. Often times, the leak is on the PlayStation Plus Essentials games, but it can include changes to the Extra and Premium Game Catalogs.
These leaks aren’t necessarily the problem, but it is the reaction to those leaks that causes a lot of headaches.
For example, a few days ago, a leak came out that claimed that PGA Tour 2K25 would be the headliner for March’s Essentials lineup. Some of the framing of this issue centered claiming gamers were not happy with this potential announcement.
One gaming site went as far as to claim “PlayStation Plus March Free Game Hasn’t Gone Down Well: ‘I’ll Never Play.’” Of course, Screen Rant’s headline isn’t representative of the larger community. Many readers took to the comments to voice their opposition to this framing.
That said, Screen Rant’s sensationalized headline still is indicative of some player attitudes. There are online discussions each month to these leaks of people going all in on one side or the other. This is a larger issue in society that has infiltrated gaming.
The issue I see with this mindset is that each time a leak comes out, an overreaction follows. What makes it more unfortunate is it is gaming sites that should be more responsible but seem to value the clicks more than actual quality content.
In a bubble, you can qualify those types of reaction as bluster, but the repercussions extend far into a volatile fanbase that is a powder key about to explore at any time. Being irresponsible and lighting that match does more harm than good to society.
What makes this more infuriating is all of this bluster and fighting comes from a leak. Not the official announcement, but a leak.
Eventually, Sony did announce its Essentials lineup for March and it did include PGA Tour 2K25, but also had Monster Hunter Rise, Slime Rancher 2, and The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road Collection. To me, this feels far from the terrible lineup that some made it out to be.
Now, Sony is not above criticism. Its PS Plus lineup deserves any criticism it may get. That’s just the nature of having those with differing gaming preferences; we’re not all going to agree video games.
Every one is entitled to spend their money how they see fit. If they don’t feel like PS Plus is worth their money, then they shouldn’t spend on it. This March lineup won’t be for everyone.
That said, it’s unfair and unproductive to paint something like this with a broad brush without all of the information. Furthermore, it’s cringe-inducing to see such an outlandish reaction to something as simple as video game lineups.
The irony isn’t lost on me that I am raising a stink about people overreacting to things. I guess my larger point is more about the intensity that follows somethings like a leak.
It feels like other agendas are in play that want to see services like PS Plus or Sony fail because of their own reasons. Anyone is free to think that, but that mindset feels like an overreaction.
Rather, it’d be nice to see a more level-headed and productive debate around these lineups that utilizes all the information rather than bits.
That’s not too much to ask, is it?
What about you? Do you think people overreact to PS Plus lineup announcements? Is Josh, himself, overreacting to the overreactions? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.
Featured Image: 2K (via Nintendo)
Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast about Video Games
The Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast about Video Games – is the flagship show of the Boss Rush Network and Boss Rush Media. Each week, hosts Corey Dirrig and LeRon Dawkins are joined by friends, fellow creators, indie developers, and industry veterans to discuss the latest in the world of video games, including news, rumors, new releases, and what they’ve been playing. They also answer listener questions, debate important industry topics and Boss Rush Banter discussion points, and feature a rotating weekly segment. New episodes post every Monday.
Follow and Connect with Boss Rush Podcast on Social Media
X/Twitter + Bluesky + Instagram + Threads + YouTube
Listen to Boss Rush Podcast on Podcast Services
Apple Podcasts + Spotify + Goodpods + Amazon + More Links
Thank you for supporting Boss Rush Podcast and the Boss Rush Network
Thank you for watching or listening to The Boss Rush Podcast. If you’re watching this episode on YouTube, hit the Subscribe button, Like the video, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss an episode! If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, consider leaving us a rating and a review as it helps with discoverability and growth. Support Boss Rush on Patreon for exclusive content, early access and audio versions of shows, become a Patreon Producer, and more. Visit our website for all of our content including reviews, news, daily Boss Rush Banter discussion topics, listicles, features, and more. However you support us, it means so much to us. Thank you for your continued support of the Boss Rush Podcast and the Boss Rush Network.
Leave a Reply