Acclaimed PS5 roguelike shooter Saros gets a substantial free trial, but there’s a catch
Housemarque’s acclaimed roguelike shooter Saros is receiving a 2.5-hour free trial to attract new players, the developer announced Monday. However, the trial comes with a significant limitation: it’s exclusively available to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers, the highest tier of PlayStation’s subscription service at $16 per month—nearly double the base Essential tier.
While PlayStation Plus Premium advertises free trial access as a core benefit, the arrangement means interested players must commit to the premium subscription before experiencing Saros. This move comes amid reports that Saros has underperformed commercially since launch, with industry analysts expressing concern about the game’s ongoing commercial viability. The trial represents Housemarque’s strategy to leverage the subscription service’s existing member base to convert players into purchasers.
The strategy reflects a broader industry trend where developers use subscription services to drive visibility and sales for struggling titles. By restricting the trial to Premium subscribers, Sony and Housemarque are targeting a high-engagement audience they hope will convert to full purchases. For PS5 players interested in trying Saros, accessing the trial requires a subscription commitment, effectively narrowing the trial’s reach to the broader PlayStation audience who might otherwise sample the game.