Playstation has announced a ‘Play At Home’ initiative to encourage people to stay at home as much as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme’s benefits are two-fold: for gamers, Sony Interactive Entertainment are giving away free PS4 games; for game developers, the company has earmarked $10 million in support.
From the 15th of April through to 1pm (AEST) on the 5th May 2020 gamers can access select games through digital downloads – and once they have been redeemed they are yours to keep.
The games on offer are the three games under the ‘Unchartered: The Nathan Drake Collection’ – these are ‘Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune’, ‘Unchartered 2: Among Thieves’ and ‘Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception’.
Playstation is also giving away ‘Journey’, which takes players on a journey to “explore vast deserts and primitive ruins to uncover the long-lost legends of a forgotten civilisation”.
Since late March Playstation has been working with internet service providers to manage download traffic – given that it has surged globally – so game downloads may be marginally slower than they were before COVID-19.
On the gaming development side, Sony has said that it will provide $10 million to support its independent development partners during the financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
“Independent developers are vital to the heart and soul of the gaming community and we understand the hardships and financial struggles that many smaller gaming studios are facing,” Jim Ryan, the President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, said. “More information about the fund, including participation criteria, will be made available soon.”
