Another Formerly Current-Gen Exclusive Game Coming to PS4

Although it’s hard to believe, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox have been around for nearly 11 years, yet their resilience and popularity remain strong, drawing in a dedicated user base daily. This ongoing interest seems to be one of the reasons behind the decision to bring “Goat Simulator 3,” originally launched in 2022 as a current-generation exclusive, over to these older consoles later this month. Notably, this isn’t an isolated case this year.

“Goat Simulator 3” was originally released on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in November 2022, serving as the sequel to the first Goat Simulator. (It’s worth mentioning that there isn’t actually a Goat Simulator 2.) This follow-up expanded the open-world chaos of the 2014 classic, earning praise from fans who loved its predecessor. For those who haven’t yet upgraded to the latest consoles but are eager to dive into this bizarre, goat-themed adventure, there’s exciting news: it’s arriving on PS4 and Xbox One on October 24.

The announcement from Coffee Stain on October 8 brought thrilling news: they were taking “Goat Simulator 3” backward to PS4 and Xbox One, following its August debut on the Switch. This new version will include all the free content updates the game has received since its 2022 release. Additionally, the Multiverse of Nonsense DLC will be available for purchase on last-gen consoles.

If you’re already enjoying the game on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, you won’t need to repurchase it thanks to cross-buy support. Plus, the Xbox versions will include cross-save functionality between generations. While it’s a thoughtful feature, I’m curious about how many PS5 owners are itching to replay it on a PS4.

This scenario draws a parallel to what happened with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Initially released for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, it skipped the last-gen consoles entirely. However, in August 2023, EA announced that Respawn Entertainment’s blockbuster would be ported to the PS4 and Xbox One, and these versions arrived in September. Visually, they’re quite impressive, yet the ongoing focus on older consoles feels rather unexpected.

Considering the PS4 is nearing its 11th anniversary, it’s intriguing to see that games are still being adapted for it in 2024. While this is fortunate for PS4 users who haven’t upgraded to the PS5, it also raises questions about the gaming industry’s ability to progress without inadvertently impacting potential profits. Perhaps the anticipated 2025 release of GTA 6, which is slated exclusively for next-gen consoles, might be the catalyst needed to encourage a broader shift and see last-gen ports beginning to phase out.