Sony giving away PlayStation games for free during COVID-19 pandemic, commits to funding independent studios

Sony has announced a 'Play at Home initiative' amid the COVID-19 pandemic which see it giving away PlayStation games for free and provide financial support for independent game studios.

Between April 15 and May 5, both Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection and Journey are available to download at no cost and keep forever 

All you need is a PS4 and an internet connection - a PS Plus subscription is not required. 

Sony says the initiative is a "thank you to all who are doing their part to lessen the impact of this pandemic".

"People all over the world are doing the right thing by staying home to help contain the spread of COVID–19," the company says.

"We are deeply grateful to everyone practicing physical distancing and take our responsibility as a home entertainment platform seriously, so we are asking our community to continue supporting the safe choice and the need to Play At Home."

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection is a collection of three PS3 games remastered for the PS4. The PlayStation-exclusive franchise is well beloved by fans for its Indiana Jones style action and adventure.

Sony describes Journey as "a beautiful, celebrated adventure that is as moving as it is mysterious. The game's life-affirming message is timeless, and perhaps more important now than ever before."

The Japanese company says more details on its funding for independent developers including participation criteria would be released soon, but has committed US$10 million.

"Independent developers are vital to the heart and soul of the gaming community and we understand the hardships and financial struggles that many smaller gaming studios are facing," says Sony.

Later this year, Sony is planning to release its next-generation console the PlayStation 5. It's main rival Microsoft is also set to release the Xbox Series X.