PS Plus Subscription Mandatory for PS4 Online Play – Sony Reveals Why 06-28-2013, 06:44 PM
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Online gaming on the PlayStation 3 does not cost a cent, but Sony will introduce the mandatory requirement to be a PlayStation Plus subscriber to play online with the PlayStation 4.
Speaking to Famitsu (translated by Kotaku,) Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida cited Sony’s major investment into the system as the reason for the mandatory subscription.
Yoshida said that not charging gamers would be “absurd” considering Sony’s “large investment of resources” that powers the infrastructure.
“The main pillar for the PS4 will be online play. We're developing many new ways to play and connect which requires a large investment of resources,” he said.
“Considering the cost, to try to keep such a service free and consequently lower the quality would be absurd. We decided that if that's the case, then it would be better to receive proper payment and continue to offer a good service.”
Currently, a 12 month PS Plus subscription will set you back $50 and current subscribers can carry over the features for use on the PlayStation 4 when it launches.
Microsoft requires an Xbox LIVE subscription to play multiplayer games on the Xbox 360, as well as to use apps such as Netflix and access other social features. Xbox LIVE costs $60 each year, and is likely to be mandated by Microsoft on the Xbox One considering their investment in the confirmed 300,000 Xbox servers.
Yoshida also assured that Sony’s support for the PlayStation 3 will not be dropped.
Speaking to Famitsu (translated by Kotaku,) Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida cited Sony’s major investment into the system as the reason for the mandatory subscription.
Yoshida said that not charging gamers would be “absurd” considering Sony’s “large investment of resources” that powers the infrastructure.
“The main pillar for the PS4 will be online play. We're developing many new ways to play and connect which requires a large investment of resources,” he said.
“Considering the cost, to try to keep such a service free and consequently lower the quality would be absurd. We decided that if that's the case, then it would be better to receive proper payment and continue to offer a good service.”
Currently, a 12 month PS Plus subscription will set you back $50 and current subscribers can carry over the features for use on the PlayStation 4 when it launches.
Microsoft requires an Xbox LIVE subscription to play multiplayer games on the Xbox 360, as well as to use apps such as Netflix and access other social features. Xbox LIVE costs $60 each year, and is likely to be mandated by Microsoft on the Xbox One considering their investment in the confirmed 300,000 Xbox servers.
Yoshida also assured that Sony’s support for the PlayStation 3 will not be dropped.