Players in Hong Kong have noticed the game offerings for PlayStation Plus in January are way, way down, leaving them feeling disappointed.

Most global subscribers could download “The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe” from the list of free monthly games, but gamers in Hong Kong were out of luck. Instead, they received “DEEEER Simulator: Your Average Everyday Deer Game,” which has not fared as well.

The January PlayStation Plus Games Have Had the Heck of a Time

PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers had the following available in January:

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Ghost Cyberpunk Ghost Record: OneWatch Dogs: LegionNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered

The Stanly Parable: Ultra Deluxe

The Hong Kong-based subscribers said “The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe” was replaced with DEEEER Simulator: Your Average Everyday Deer Game. Although the oddball deer simulator may intrigue some players, it does little to compare to the critically lauded, award-winning “The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe,” most seem to agree.

Why Was “The Stanley Parable” Excluded in Hong Kong?

PlayStation hasn’t officially explained why “The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe” is unavailable in Hong Kong. However, it’s likely due to the game’s themes and narrative, which might not align with content restrictions in the region. The Chinese government often regulates media based on cultural or political themes, and this could be a factor.

This type of regional content limitation isn’t new, but it has frustrated gamers who feel they’re not getting the same value as other subscribers worldwide.

DEEEER Simulator: Fun But Not a Replacement

“DEEEER Simulator: Your Average Everyday Deer Game” is a quirky and humorous sandbox-style game where players control a deer wreaking havoc in a small city. While it offers lighthearted fun, its appeal is far more niche compared to “The Stanley Parable,” which is known for its innovative storytelling, thought-provoking gameplay, and critical acclaim.

On Metacritic, “The Stanley Parable” scores much higher than “DEEEER Simulator,” and its widespread popularity has earned it awards and a loyal fanbase. For many players, this switch feels like a downgrade in the overall quality of the monthly offering.

Free Game Access: Important Details

Just like other PS Plus free games, “DEEEER Simulator” can be downloaded for free by subscribers until February 4. However, it’s important to note:

You must have an active PlayStation Plus subscription to keep the game.

If your subscription lapses, access to the game will be revoked until you renew your subscription.

This policy applies to all monthly PS Plus free games, regardless of region.

Information regarding families, friends, and other details.

PlayStation Plus is a three-tiered subscription service for PS4 and PS5 owners:

PlayStation Plus Plus Essential: $10 a month for online multiplayer and three free games a month.

PlayStation Plus Plus Extra: Adds a library of games for $15 a month.

PS Plus Premium: The highest tier available with the most features, costing $18 each month.

PlayStation Plus is another key service for gamers, but at times, subscribers can find themselves dissatisfied by regional differences such as this one.

What Gamers Are Saying

Many fans in Hong Kong have expressed disappointment over the swap. While some appreciate the humor of “DEEEER Simulator,” most agree it doesn’t hold the same value as “The Stanley Parable.” The lack of transparency about the game’s unavailability has also added to the frustration.

As regional content restrictions continue to affect media and gaming, this situation highlights the challenges of creating a unified global experience for players.

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