As previously announced, PS Plus Essential November 2024 lineup comes with a day-1 game, but players have been left confused as the title won’t be available in its own home country. Death Note Killer Within is produced by Japanese developer Grounding Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, but for some reason, it’s not part of the Japanese Essential lineup.
Why is PS Plus Essential November 2024 day-1 game skipping Japan?
Death Note Killer Within is a social deduction game, except in anime style, based on the anime and manga franchise. It will be available for free in the West at launch via the monthly lineup but Japanese players have pointed out that they’re getting 2022’s third-person shooter Evil West instead.
Evil West was already offered in other regions in the past, but at the time, Japan received Lost Epic in its place.
It’s unclear why the Japanese lineup doesn’t include Death Note Killer Within. Some players have theorized that the game will probably sell well in Japan at retail, so it’s possible that Sony and Bandai Namco considered potential impact on sales when making the decision.
Quite a few Japanese players have voiced their frustration over the move, while others appear indifferent.
PS Plus Essential November games will be available tomorrow, the 5th.