In a significant shift for its gaming services, Sony has announced the removal of two classic PS3 titles, Resistance: Fall of Man and its sequel, Resistance 2, from the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscriptions. This change, effective May 20, 2025, means that players will no longer have access to these Insomniac-developed games on PS4 or PS5.
The decision to remove these titles has left many fans of the franchise disheartened. Without physical copies of the games and a PS3 console, players will have no means to enjoy Resistance: Fall of Man or Resistance 2 once they are taken off the service. Adding to the disappointment is the fact that the PS3 PlayStation Network servers were shut down long ago, eliminating the possibility of obtaining digital versions of these games.
Interestingly, while Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2 will no longer be available, titles like Resistance 3 and Resistance Retribution will remain playable through PlayStation Plus Premium. This move appears to be part of Sony's annual catalog clean-up, which typically focuses on third-party titles as licenses expire, rather than first-party games.
In February 2025, Ted Price, the former CEO of Insomniac, discussed the studio's desire to create a fourth installment in the Resistance series. However, he revealed that Sony did not greenlight the project. "Resistance 4. We pitched that, and it was a wonderful concept," Price stated. "It’s just that in terms of timing and market opportunity, it didn’t work out. But it was the result of many passionate Insomniac team members wanting to expand the story." This insight into the studio's ambitions adds a layer of nostalgia for fans who had hoped for a revival of the series.
As Sony trims its game offerings, it has also announced price increases for PlayStation Plus subscriptions across various regions, including Australia, South Korea, and several Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. This follows a similar price hike in 15 Latin American countries. In a statement on the PS Blog, the company explained that these adjustments are necessary due to global market conditions, stating, "Like many companies around the world, we continue to be impacted by global market conditions and will adjust our local pricing for PlayStation Plus. This price adjustment will allow us to continue providing high-quality games and added value benefits to your PlayStation Plus subscription service."
In addition to raising subscription costs, Sony has also confirmed that the prices for the PS5 console will increase in Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, with potential hikes in other EMEA regions as well. This dual approach of removing titles while adjusting pricing has raised eyebrows among consumers, who are left to weigh the value of their subscriptions against the diminishing library of available games.
Meanwhile, on the horizon, there’s buzz surrounding the upcoming May 2025 PlayStation Plus offerings. A leak has suggested that Until Dawn Remake will be included as a free game for subscribers. Originally released in 2015 by Supermassive Games, Until Dawn received a remake in late 2024, refreshing its graphics and gameplay while maintaining the core experience that made it a hit.
The leak indicates that PlayStation mistakenly listed Until Dawn Remake as part of the May lineup, although the company has yet to confirm the complete list of games. If true, this inclusion could delight many players who appreciate the horror genre and are eager for high-quality titles.
Adding to the intrigue is the recent release of the film adaptation of Until Dawn, which has sparked discussions among fans. Some speculate that offering the game as part of the subscription could serve as a promotional boost for the film. As the movie garners mixed reviews, a tie-in with the game could potentially enhance viewer interest.
Players are encouraged to act quickly to secure their copies of the current April 2025 offerings, which include RoboCop: Rogue City, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth, before they rotate out. The anticipation surrounding the May lineup, especially with the potential inclusion of Until Dawn Remake, has gamers eagerly awaiting an official announcement from PlayStation.
As Sony navigates the challenges of maintaining its gaming ecosystem, the removal of beloved titles and the price increases may prompt discussions among its user base about the future of PlayStation Plus. Will the potential new offerings be enough to keep subscribers engaged? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: the gaming community remains deeply invested in the evolution of PlayStation’s services.
