Early game lineup leak sparks excitement among PlayStation fans

PlayStation Plus subscribers are set for an early festive treat as the December game lineup was revealed ahead of schedule, giving members a first look at the titles arriving next month. The unexpected early disclosure has stirred anticipation across the PlayStation community as players prepare for new additions to the Extra and Premium catalogues.

One of the headline arrivals is Red Dead Redemption, which joins the PS Plus Extra library on 2 December. The critically acclaimed western epic offers subscribers a chance to return to its expansive frontier world, and its arrival has been warmly received by fans keen to revisit the beloved Rockstar classic during the holiday season.

December’s lineup also introduces Skate Story as a day-one addition for Extra and Premium members. Launching on 8 December, the surreal indie adventure brings a visually striking and experimental take on skateboarding, offering a fresh contrast to the heavyweight titles typically associated with the service.

For PlayStation Plus Essential users, the monthly free games are set to be confirmed earlier than usual, with the official announcement expected on 26 November. The titles will then become available to download from 2 December, aligning with the broader catalogue refresh across all tiers.

In addition to new arrivals, December will see several games depart the PS Plus library. Nine titles — including Battlefield 2042, Grand Theft Auto III: Definitive Edition, Forspoken, Sonic Frontiers and a selection of VR-focused games — will leave Extra and Premium on 16 December. Subscribers hoping to finish any of these games are encouraged to do so before they are removed.

The early reveal appears to be part of a strategic effort to boost engagement heading into the busy holiday period. By announcing the lineup ahead of time, PlayStation allows subscribers to plan their festive gaming, decide which titles to prioritise and manage their backlogs before the seasonal rush.

The mix of departing and incoming titles reflects PlayStation’s ongoing approach to balancing blockbuster classics with innovative indie projects. Red Dead Redemption anchors the month with mainstream appeal, while Skate Story adds creative diversity to the catalogue, rounding out a lineup designed to attract a broad range of players.

For long-term users, the shifting catalogue underscores how PS Plus continues to evolve as a dynamic subscription service. The inclusion of high-profile favourites and day-one indies suggests an increased focus on offering variety and value across different gaming tastes.

The December update arrives at a crucial moment as competition intensifies across subscription services. PlayStation’s combination of classic titles, experimental new releases and regular catalogue refreshes is becoming increasingly vital to retaining and growing its subscriber base.

As the holiday season approaches, the early announcement has already fuelled enthusiasm across the PlayStation community. With major departures and standout new titles arriving in the same month, December promises to be an active period for PS Plus members eager to make the most of their subscriptions.