On April 13, 2026, the PlayStation Store announced the release of two new free games for PS4 and PS5 users, Chess Mate and Ecchi Secrets. This move comes as part of the store’s ongoing strategy to attract gamers by offering free content without requiring a PS Plus subscription.
Chess Mate, developed by Cudit Games, is exclusively available on PS5 and has received a positive rating of 4.21 out of 5 stars on the PS Store. Players can earn all trophies in Chess Mate without making any additional purchases, making it an appealing option for trophy hunters.
Ecchi Secrets, on the other hand, is available on both PS4 and PS5, thanks to the backwards compatibility feature. Similar to Chess Mate, players can achieve the Platinum trophy and complete the game without any extra costs.
In addition to these free games, players who engage with Resident Evil Village for a minimum of 30 minutes can qualify for a free movie credit. This credit can be redeemed for any movie available in the Sony Pictures Core library, enhancing the value of the gaming experience.
To receive the movie credit, players must download the Sony Pictures Core app and link their PlayStation Network accounts. This offer is available to both PS Plus Extra and Premium users, further incentivizing engagement with the game.
The movie credit will be added to the app by May 8, 2026, providing players with an additional reward for their time spent in the game.
This sequence of events is significant for gamers as it not only provides them with new content to enjoy but also enhances the overall value of their gaming experience through additional rewards. The introduction of free games and promotional offers reflects the PlayStation Store’s commitment to maintaining user engagement and satisfaction.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like these are crucial for attracting new players and retaining existing ones. The ease of accessing free games without a subscription requirement is likely to appeal to a broad audience, making it an important development in the gaming community.
