A new PS5 game has outperformed Forza Horizon 6 and is available free through PlayStation Plus for August.
In simple terms, a brand new PS5 title has officially defeated Forza Horizon 6 in terms of ratings and is available at no cost for all tiers of PlayStation Plus, including Essential, Extra, and Premium. This development was reported on August 6 by Tyler Fischer at ComicBook.com. The game not only claims victory over the popular racing franchise but is also free to players for the entire month of August.
The new game garnering attention is Big Walk, developed by House and House, in collaboration with Panic, the latter also known for the critically acclaimed Untitled Goose Game. Big Walk is categorized as a co-op adventure game focusing on teamwork and exploration, enticing players to navigate its expansive world filled with challenges and humorous elements. It is available on various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and PC, although it’s notable that it can only be accessed for free on PS5 through the PlayStation Plus service. The game is priced at $19.99 for those outside the subscription service.
According to Metacritic, Big Walk is currently the highest-rated game of 2026, boasting a score of 94 based on just nine reviews. This achievement pushes Forza Horizon 6, which has earned a score of 90, to the second place. Additionally, another PS Plus day-one release, Sektori, currently holds a rating of 92, ensuring a notable competition among indie titles this year.
Despite the strong initial ratings for these games, predictions regarding their chances in the upcoming Game of the Year discussions remain uncertain. Because they are mostly indie titles and considering the strong presence of established franchises like Resident Evil Requiem, it's unclear if they will gain frontrunner status as the year concludes. Many speculators suggest that if GTA 6 arrives this year as anticipated, it may likely overshadow all contenders for the highest honors.
The release of Big Walk marks it as the first PlayStation Plus day-one game of 2026. Its availability likely reflects a shift that allows Sony's subscription service to surpass Xbox Game Pass in terms of day-one titles this year, an increasingly important metric in gaming subscription services.
The performance and reception of Big Walk illustrate the growing popularity of indie games within subscriber services. With a current rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on the PlayStation Store from over 6,400 user reviews, it is clear that players are equally responding well to the game, highlighting the potential for indie offerings to thrive alongside major releases.
Big Walk isn’t just performing well critically; it's also resonating with audiences, indicating a broader trend where cooperative gameplay and innovation in game mechanics capture players' attention. As gaming evolves, the industry is likely to see more titles aiming for this combination of engagement and creativity. The distinctiveness of the game’s exploration themes and emphasis on friendship may offer opportunities for more innovative gameplay experiences.
What remains unclear is how this release will compete against larger blockbusters in year-end awards and recognition. While there are expectations building around Big Walk, the gaming community is still watching how criticism evolves in light of such standout indie games.
This outcome reveals an essential shift in the gaming market, particularly in the increasing viability of indie titles amidst heavy competition from established franchises. With Sony's PlayStation Plus offering compelling content at no additional charge, it not only entices players but also has the potential to reshape expectations around game releases and subscriptions in the industry. Observers will be keenly monitoring how Big Walk and similar titles influence upcoming game award discussions and subscriber service strategies in gaming.
For further updates on the latest in gaming news, check out our articles on Quake's major update and the latest on David Fincher's film projects.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: ComicBook.com. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
