December update brings a rare day-one launch and major catalogue changes

PlayStation has confirmed a fresh wave of titles joining the PS Plus Game Catalogue for UK subscribers this December, headlined by a notable day-one release. The update brings new additions for Extra and Premium members alongside several high-profile games scheduled to leave later in the month.

One of the biggest December highlights is the arrival of Skate Story, a highly anticipated indie title launching directly into the PS Plus catalogue on its release day. Day-one launches remain relatively uncommon on the platform, and the move signals Sony’s growing interest in bolstering subscription value with new releases rather than relying solely on back-catalogue offerings.

Skate Story introduces players to a surreal skating adventure centred on a demon tasked with rolling through a shimmering underworld. The game blends grinds, tricks and flowing traversal with atmospheric visuals, making it one of the month’s standout additions for Extra and Premium members.

Alongside new arrivals, December also marks an important rotation point for the service. Several major games are expected to leave the catalogue on 16 December, including Battlefield 2042, GTA III: The Definitive Edition, Sonic Frontiers and Forspoken. Subscribers hoping to complete or sample these titles will need to act before they disappear.

This mix of incoming and outgoing content reflects the evolving nature of the Game Catalogue. Sony continues to balance indie highlights, third-party releases and blockbuster titles, aiming to offer variety while encouraging subscribers to explore a wide range of genres.

Industry observers note that the addition of day-one games is likely to appeal to players seeking fresh content without upfront purchase costs. It may also help the service compete more closely with rival subscription platforms that regularly feature new launches as part of their offering.

The December lineup reinforces the importance of staying aware of catalogue rotations. Games leaving the service can no longer be accessed once removed, even if previously downloaded, so time-sensitive play remains a part of the subscription experience. Sony typically updates its listings through the PlayStation Store and system notifications.

While the full December roster may continue to expand, the confirmed titles highlight a strong close to the year for PS Plus subscribers. The blend of new releases, unique indie projects and major departures ensures December remains an active period for UK players reviewing their backlog.

Looking ahead, subscribers can expect further announcements as Sony reveals additional titles. With a growing emphasis on premium catalogue updates, the December rollout sets the pace for how PlayStation intends to shape its subscription service going into the new year.