In addition to watching movies, binging TV shows, and eating far too much, folks have also been playing a lot of video-games at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sony Interactive Entertainment is aiming to make things a little bit easier on that front as they announced the Play At Home initiative today.
Starting from April 15th at 8pm PDT until May 5th 8pm PDT, Sony's Play At Home initiative will provide two PS4 games for free. Yep. The games in question are Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection and Journey. As long as you redeem the games during the specified time period, they're yours to keep. Here's what Sony has to say about the two games: "For most of you, Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection will need no introduction," reads Sony's press-release. "This three-game collection from the masters at Naughty Dog includes Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception—all meticulously remastered for PS4. We can’t imagine a better time for globe-trotting adventures with Nathan Drake, an iconic cast of characters, and thrilling treasure-hunting action gameplay. Then there’s Journey, a beautiful, celebrated adventure that is as moving as it is mysterious. The game’s life-affirming message is timeless, and perhaps more important now than ever before." Now, providing free games is just one aspect of the Play At Home initiative, as they're also establishing a fund to help smaller independent game studios who may be be experiencing financial difficulties during the current 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. With that, SIE has developed a fund to support them during this time. We have earmarked $10 million to support our independent development partners. More information about the fund, including participation criteria, will be made available soon. During these days of physical distancing, fans have turned to gaming for moments of respite and enjoyment. At Sony Interactive Entertainment, we are privileged to bring this much-needed entertainment. We know this is just one small step and we are thankful to be able to offer this support to our players, our communities, and our partners.
That's certainly nice of them. Meanwhile, Sony's next next-gen gaming system, the PS5, is expected to launch by the end of 2020, and they recently unveiled the look of their new DualSense controller.