Hogwarts Legacy and Blue Prince come to PlayStation Plus Game Catalog in April

Engadget - Apr 9th, 2025

Sony is expanding its PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra and Premium subscribers with several exciting new titles in April. The standout addition is Hogwarts Legacy, a major blockbuster set in the Harry Potter universe, available from April 15. Despite controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling, the game, an open-world RPG set in the 1890s, has garnered significant attention. Other notable additions include Blue Prince, a puzzle game launching on April 10, and the narrative-driven Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, available as a day-one launch on April 15. Additional games include EA Sports PGA Tour and PlateUp!, with Battlefield 1 available for PS4 players on April 15.

This expansion of the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog signifies Sony's strategic push to enhance the value of its subscription service amidst growing competition in the gaming industry. By including high-profile titles and fresh releases, Sony aims to attract new subscribers and retain existing ones. The inclusion of Hogwarts Legacy, despite its associated controversies, highlights Sony's focus on offering diverse and engaging content to its audience. The variety of games added, from action RPGs to puzzlers and simulators, underscores the company's commitment to catering to a wide range of gaming preferences, enhancing the platform's appeal and relevance in the market.

Sony Play Station Plus J.K. Rowling Video Games Subscription Services Hogwarts Legacy Blue Prince Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Ea Sports Pga Tour Plate Up! Battlefield 1

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a clear and timely overview of the upcoming additions to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. It accurately reports the release dates and features of the games, though it could improve by citing specific sources to enhance credibility. The article briefly touches on a controversial topic, which adds a layer of engagement but also introduces a slight bias. Overall, the article is well-structured and accessible, appealing to readers interested in gaming news. However, greater transparency and balance in presenting different perspectives would strengthen its overall quality.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports that Hogwarts Legacy, Blue Prince, and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 2 are being added to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog in April. The dates for these releases are precise, with Hogwarts Legacy and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 2 both launching on April 15, and Blue Prince on April 10. However, there is a minor inaccuracy regarding the setting of Lost Records: Bloom & Rage – Tape 2, which is set in 1995 and 2002, not 2022 as stated in the article. Additionally, the claim about J.K. Rowling's controversial comments affecting Hogwarts Legacy's reception is supported by external sources indicating the controversy's impact.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the new game releases for PlayStation Plus, providing a straightforward overview of the additions. However, it briefly mentions the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling, which introduces a potential bias by labeling her comments as 'anti-trans nonsense.' This could be seen as an imbalance, as it does not present any counterperspective or further context about the controversy's impact on the game or its audience.

Clarity

The article is clear and concise, effectively summarizing the key points of the PlayStation Plus game additions. The language is straightforward, and the structure logically presents the games and their release dates. The tone is generally neutral, except for the brief commentary on J.K. Rowling, which could be seen as slightly biased. Overall, the article is easy to read and understand.

Source quality

The article does not cite specific sources, which affects its credibility. While the information aligns with verified details from reputable gaming news outlets, the lack of direct attribution to these sources means readers must rely on the article's claims without immediate verification. This could be improved by referencing authoritative sources directly, which would enhance the reliability of the reporting.

Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding the sources of its information. There is no indication of where the data about game releases and features are derived from, nor is there an explanation of the basis for claims about the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling. Greater transparency in disclosing sources and the methodology for gathering information would improve the article's trustworthiness.