Banned PS5 Game Made Free With PlayStation Plus
comicbook.com • • technology
Key Points:
- Final Fantasy XVI, a PS5 exclusive by Square Enix released on June 22, 2023, will be available for free on PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers starting June 16, but not for PS Plus Essential subscribers.
- The game remains banned in Saudi Arabia and parts of the Middle East, where it will not be available on any PlayStation Plus tier due to regional restrictions.
- While no official reason has been given, the ban is likely due to the game's inclusion of LGBT characters and romance, a common cause for censorship in these regions, rather than its violent content.
- Square Enix has not released a censored version of Final Fantasy XVI for these markets, resulting in continued unavailability there.
- Final Fantasy XVI is the highlight of June’s PS Plus lineup, and no substitute game will be offered in regions where it is banned, potentially disappointing affected subscribers.