PlayStation Owners Warned About Free Game Deleting Saves

PS Plus Freebie Face-Off: Gamers Warn against One Title, rave About Another

Ever get that feeling of striking gold with a free game, only to find out it’s fool’s gold? That’s the sentiment echoing through the PlayStation community this month, as gamers are passionately divided over the latest PS Plus offerings.

The “Ark: Survival Ascended” Controversy

One of May’s free games, Ark: Survival Ascended, is facing a barrage of criticism. Players are reporting frustrating glitches, lost progress, and overall poor performance, leading many to advise others to steer clear. Is this a case of a promising title falling short of expectations, or are these just growing pains for a newly released game?

Lost Progress and Broken Saves: A Gamer’s Nightmare

Imagine sinking hours into a game, meticulously crafting your world, only to have it all vanish in an instant.That’s the reality many Ark: Survival Ascended players are facing. One frustrated gamer on Reddit shared their experience of losing five hours of progress due to a corrupted save file, a problem seemingly prevalent on consoles. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a game-breaking bug that can deter even the most dedicated players.

“I love crafting survival games, so I was very excited when this was announced to be on PS Plus,” the user lamented. “I played it for about five hours. Save and close out, take a break. When I come back to it? Save file is gone fully. I looked all over forums for answers and it just seems like this is something that happens on console.”

Expert Tip: Always back up your game saves! While cloud saves are often automatic with PS plus, manually backing up to a USB drive can provide an extra layer of security against data loss.

Beyond Save Issues: Glitches and Performance Problems

The problems don’t stop at lost saves. Players are reporting a range of glitches and performance issues, from flickering screens to the game simply refusing to launch.One player even claimed their PS5 started flickering outside of the game after playing ark: Survival Ascended for just half an hour,requiring a full console power cycle to fix. These kinds of issues raise serious concerns about the game’s stability and potential impact on console hardware.

Did you know? Ark: Survival Ascended is a remaster of 2015’s Ark: Survival Evolved. Remasters are frequently enough expected to improve upon the original, but in this case, it truly seems some fundamental issues persist.

The Verdict: “Stay Away From This Game”

The overwhelming sentiment among disgruntled players is one of disappointment and frustration. “Genuinely stay away from this game,” one player warned.”You might think there is something good about it,but I can assure you there is nothing.” This harsh assessment reflects the severity of the issues plaguing Ark: Survival Ascended on PlayStation.

Quick Fact: Ark: Survival Evolved was initially released as an early access title on PC before making its way to consoles and mobile devices. Early access games are often works in progress, but players expect a higher level of polish from a fully released title or remaster.

“Balatro”: A Poker-Themed Redemption Story

Amidst the Ark controversy, another PS Plus freebie is shining brightly: Balatro. This poker-themed deck-building game has garnered widespread acclaim, offering a refreshing and addictive gameplay experience. It’s a stark contrast to the negative reception of Ark, proving that PS Plus can still deliver exceptional value.

Overwhelmingly Positive Reviews: A Critical darling

Balatro‘s success is evident in its overwhelmingly positive reviews. The game boasts an “Overwhelmingly Positive” score on Steam, based on over 93,000 reviews. This level of critical acclaim is rare, indicating that Balatro has struck a chord with players seeking innovative and engaging gameplay.

Reader Poll: Which type of game do you prefer: Open-world survival or strategic deck-building? Let us know in the comments!

Addictive Gameplay: “Playing It 24/7”

Players are praising Balatro for its addictive gameplay loop and strategic depth. One PlayStation owner confessed, “Balatro on PlayStation was my first time. I absolutely love it not going to lie. If it wasn’t for other major games taking up my time I’d be playing it 24/7.” This sentiment is echoed by many others who have become hooked on Balatro‘s unique blend of poker and deck-building mechanics.

the Clear winner: “Balatro Should Be the Main Game of the Month”

In the battle of the PS Plus freebies, Balatro is the clear winner. “This month has only one good game. Balatro,” one player declared. Another added, “Balatro should be the main game of the month.” These comments highlight the stark contrast between the positive reception of Balatro and the negative feedback surrounding Ark: Survival Ascended.

Why the Discrepancy? A Deeper Dive

What accounts for the vastly different experiences players are having with these two free games? Several factors could be at play, including progress challenges, optimization issues, and differing player expectations.

Development Challenges and Optimization Issues

Game development is a complex process, and even the most experienced studios can face unforeseen challenges. Ark: Survival Ascended might potentially be suffering from optimization issues, particularly on consoles, leading to the reported glitches and performance problems. Remastering a game can also introduce new bugs or exacerbate existing ones.

Player Expectations and Genre Preferences

Player expectations also play a meaningful role in how a game is received. Survival games like Ark frequently enough require a significant time investment and can be unforgiving, which may not appeal to all players. in contrast, Balatro‘s more accessible gameplay and shorter play sessions may make it more appealing to a wider audience.

Studio Wildcard’s Response (or Lack Thereof)

As of the original article’s publication, game-maker Studio Wildcard had not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the issues with Ark: Survival Ascended. A timely and obvious response from the developers could help alleviate player concerns and provide a roadmap for addressing the reported problems. the Sun has asked game-maker Studio wildcard for comment and will update this story with any response.

The Future of PS Plus Free Games

The contrasting experiences with Ark: Survival Ascended and Balatro raise questions about the future of PS Plus free games. What can Sony do to ensure that subscribers consistently receive high-quality titles that meet their expectations?

Curating quality Over Quantity

One approach is to prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of offering a large number of free games each month,Sony could focus on selecting a smaller number of titles that have been thoroughly tested and optimized for PlayStation consoles. This could involve working more closely with developers to ensure that games meet a certain standard of quality before being offered to PS plus subscribers.

Enhanced Quality Assurance Testing

Another strategy is to invest in more robust quality assurance (QA) testing. This could involve conducting more extensive playtesting on different PlayStation consoles to identify and fix bugs before a game is released to PS Plus subscribers.Sony could also solicit feedback from a select group of players to get early impressions and identify potential issues.

Transparency and communication

Open communication with players is also crucial. If a game has known issues, Sony should be transparent about them and provide updates on the progress of fixes. This can help manage player expectations and prevent frustration. Engaging with the community through forums and social media can also provide valuable feedback and insights.

The American Gamer perspective

For American gamers, the value of a PS Plus subscription is often weighed against other entertainment options, such as streaming services and cable TV. The availability of high-quality free games is a key factor in justifying the cost of the subscription. The Ark: Survival ascended controversy highlights the importance of Sony delivering on its promise of providing valuable content to its subscribers.

The Cost of Gaming in America

In the United States, the average cost of a new video game is around $70. A PS Plus subscription can help offset this cost by providing access to a library of free games each month.though, if those free games are plagued with issues, the value proposition diminishes.

The Importance of Reliable Online Services

american gamers also rely on reliable online services for multiplayer gaming and cloud saves.PS Plus provides access to these services,but the Ark: Survival Ascended save file issues raise concerns about the reliability of cloud saves. sony needs to ensure that its online services are robust and dependable to maintain the trust of its American subscribers.

The Cultural Impact of Gaming

Gaming is a significant part of American culture, with millions of people of all ages participating in the hobby. PS Plus plays a role in shaping the gaming landscape by introducing players to new games and genres. The success of Balatro demonstrates the potential of PS Plus to expose players to hidden gems they might not or else discover.

FAQ: PS Plus and Free Games

What is PlayStation Plus?

PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) is a subscription service offered by Sony for playstation consoles. It provides access to online multiplayer gaming, monthly free games, exclusive discounts, cloud storage, and other benefits.

How much does PS Plus cost?

PS Plus is offered in three tiers: Essential, Extra, and premium. The monthly prices vary depending on the tier:

• Essential: $9.99
• Extra: $14.99
• Premium: $17.99

How do I access the free games on PS Plus?

To access the free games, you must be a PS Plus subscriber. Each month, Sony offers a selection of free games that can be downloaded and played as long as you maintain your subscription.

What happens to the free games if I cancel my PS Plus subscription?

If you cancel your PS Plus subscription, you will lose access to the free games you downloaded. Though, if you resubscribe, you will regain access to those games.

Are the free games on PS Plus always high quality?

The quality of the free games on PS Plus can vary.Some months offer critically acclaimed titles, while others may feature lesser-known or older games. The Ark: Survival Ascended controversy highlights the potential for free games to have significant issues.

Pros and Cons of Claiming Free PS Plus Games

Pros:

• Cost Savings: Access to games you might otherwise have to purchase.
• Discovery: Prospect to try new genres and titles you wouldn’t normally consider.
• Extended Playtime: Provides a constant stream of new content to keep you entertained.

Cons:

• Varying Quality: Not all free games are created equal; some might potentially be disappointing.
• Storage Space: Downloading multiple games can quickly fill up your console’s storage.
• Time Commitment: Playing multiple games can be time-consuming, potentially leading to a backlog.

Expert Opinions on Game Quality and Subscription Services

“The key to a triumphant subscription service is consistent quality,” says Sarah Miller, a gaming industry analyst at TechTrends. “Players are willing to pay for access to a library of games, but they expect those games to be polished and engaging. The Ark situation is a reminder that quality control is paramount.”

John Davis, a game developer at IndieGame Studios, adds, “Remastering a game can be tricky. It’s not just about updating the graphics; it’s about addressing the underlying issues that plagued the original. If those issues aren’t fixed, the remaster can end up being even more frustrating than the original game.”

Ultimately, the PS Plus free game experience is a mixed bag. While Balatro offers a compelling reason to subscribe, the issues with Ark: Survival Ascended serve as a cautionary tale. Sony needs to prioritize quality, transparency, and communication to ensure that PS Plus remains a valuable service for American gamers and beyond.

PS Plus May free Games: One “Ark” Misses the Mark, While “Balatro” Hits the Jackpot – An Expert Weighs In

Keywords: PS Plus, free games, Ark: Survival Ascended, Balatro, PlayStation, gaming subscription, game reviews, game glitches, playstation Plus, game quality, gaming news

This month’s PlayStation Plus free games have sparked a fierce debate in the gaming community. while Balatro is being hailed as a strategic masterpiece, Ark: Survival Ascended is facing a wave of criticism for its performance issues and game-breaking bugs. To understand the situation better and offer some advice to gamers, we spoke with Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading game design professor and author of “Level Up: Understanding Modern Game Mechanics.”

Time.news: Dr. Vance, thanks for joining us. This month’s PS Plus offerings seem especially divisive. What’s your take on the Ark: Survival Ascended situation?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Thanks for having me. The struggles Ark: Survival Ascended is facing on PS Plus are unfortunate, but not entirely uncommon in the world of game remasters and early releases. The reports of lost progress, graphical glitches, and even potential hardware issues are concerning. Gamers should be aware of the bugs as stated. It seems that many of the issues inherent in the 2015 original, Ark: Survival Evolved, remain in this remaster, and perhaps, may have been exacerbated .

Time.news: The article mentions widespread reports of save file corruption, with players losing hours of progress. Is there any way to mitigate this risk while still enjoying ark: Survival Ascended?

Dr.Eleanor Vance: Absolutely. As our earlier article recommends, backing up your game saves is crucial. While cloud saves are frequently enough automatic with PS Plus, manually backing up to a USB drive adds a vital layer of security. It’s a simple step that can save you countless hours of frustration. I would also suggest researching if this is a memory problem and, if necessary, clear up space on the device so there is adequate space for creating a save for the game.

Time.news: The article also highlights the stark contrast with balatro, which is receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews.what makes Balatro such a hit, especially compared to the challenges Ark is facing?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Balatro is a great example of innovative game design. By blending poker with deck-building mechanics, it offers a fresh and addictive experience. The game succeeds by being relatively accessible and with shorter gameplay sessions with each run or hand, compared to the time investment players must dedicate to survival games like Ark. This accessibility can appeal to a wide audience, explaining its popularity.

Time.news: This situation raises questions about how Sony curates the free games offered on PS Plus. What can Sony do to ensure consistently high-quality titles are offered to subscribers?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Prioritizing quality over quantity is key. It’s better to offer fewer, thoroughly vetted games than a larger selection of potentially problematic titles. Enhanced quality assurance (QA) testing is essential, as well, including more extensive playtesting on various PlayStation consoles to catch and fix bugs before release. Clarity and communication are also vital. if a game has known issues,keep players informed and provide updates on fixes.

Time.news: The article touches on the value of PS Plus for American gamers, notably considering the cost of new games.How does this impact the “free game” experience?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: for many PS Plus subscribers, the “free” games are a primary reason for subscribing. The US average for new games is around $70, but the promise of getting access to a library of games each month for a subscription fee is a big draw. When a hotly anticipated free game like Ark: Survival Ascended is plagued with problems, it damages the value proposition of the subscription and erodes trust.

Time.news: Any final advice for gamers who are navigating this month’s PS Plus offerings, or looking to make the most of the service more generally?

Dr. Eleanor Vance: Approach free games with informed expectations.Do your research, read reviews, and understand the potential issues before investing significant time into a game. If you’re diving into Ark: Survival Ascended, heed the warnings about save file corruption. Also, take advantage of cloud saves, but manually back-up your game saves to an external USB drive since the automatic features may not be dependable. And don’t be afraid to try something new! Balatro is a shining example of how PS Plus can introduce you to hidden gems that you might or else miss. Most importantly, remember that the point of video games is to have fun.