Ukrainian users of the PlayStation Plus service, who have enjoyed it for free since 2022, will have to start paying for it again come November, Sony has announced.
The Japanese company waived subscription fees for Ukraine in March 2022, as an expression of support for Kiev in its conflict with Moscow, while suspending services and support in Russia.
“We want to inform you that your free access to PlayStation Plus will end in November 2024,” said a note sent out to Ukrainian users by Sony on Tuesday.
The special program has ended, but subscribers have been issued a 30-day voucher for September and will be given another for October, Sony said. As of November 7, users will be returned to their previous subscription plan at the same price.
Sony is currently charging 1,299 Ukrainian hryvnia ($31.55) for the annual subscription to PlayStation Plus.
“We understand that this could not go on forever,” one Ukrainian video gaming site, GamewayUA, said on X. “Thank you very much for your support, PlayStation!”
Most of the responses from Ukrainian gamers were also thankful to Sony for the free service, although several worried that they would no longer be able to afford their subscriptions, given the economic situation in the country.