Another Former Current-Gen Exclusive Game Coming to PS4

Hard to believe, but the PlayStation 4 and Xbox consoles have been around for almost 11 years now. Despite their age, these gaming systems are still quite popular and see daily use by many. That’s likely why titles like “Goat Simulator 3,” which initially launched in 2022 exclusively for the newer generation of consoles, are being brought to these older platforms later this month. Interestingly, this isn’t an isolated case this year.

Back in November 2022, “Goat Simulator 3” made its debut on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, following its predecessor, the original “Goat Simulator.” (And no, there was never a “Goat Simulator 2” to fill the gap!) This sequel built upon the crazy open-world antics of the 2014 original and won over fans who were hungry for more goat-filled chaos. But if you haven’t managed to snag a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S yet and you’re itching to try this eccentric sequel—don’t worry. You’ll soon be able to join the action on your trusty PS4 or Xbox One when the game hits those consoles on October 24.

Coffee Stain, the team behind the game, revealed on October 8 that “Goat Simulator 3” would be making this backward leap to the older consoles. This follows an August release for the Switch version, as well. Excitingly, this new version will include all the free content updates released since 2022. Plus, players will have the option to buy the “Multiverse of Nonsense” DLC separately on the last-gen consoles.

For those who already own the game on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, there’s no need to repurchase it. Thanks to cross-buy support, you can also play it on older consoles. And for Xbox gamers, cross-saves are supported across generations, which is a thoughtful perk. Whether PS5 players will feel the need to revisit the PS4 remains to be seen, but it’s a nice option to have.

This scenario echoes what happened with “Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.” Initially, it launched exclusively for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, bypassing older systems. However, by August 2023, EA announced it would port this blockbuster from Respawn to PS4 and Xbox One. By September, those ports arrived and were quite well done, reminding us that the older generation of consoles isn’t fading away as quickly as one might expect.

Even though the PS4 is approaching its 11th birthday, publishers continue to bring games to it in 2024. This is certainly a win for owners who haven’t upgraded to the PS5, but it also raises questions about the industry’s ability to fully transition to newer technology without leaving significant revenue behind. Maybe when “GTA 6” rolls out exclusively for next-gen consoles in 2025, it will give players the nudge they need to embrace the new and say goodbye to the old.