Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. announced yesterday that it will deliver new powerful online gaming experiences and enhanced social connectivity that brings gamers together through PlayStation®4 (PS4™) and various network services, including PlayStation®Network. As part of this initiative, SCE will enhance the PlayStation Plus membership service concurrently with the 2013 holiday launch of PS4 in each region. The PS Plus service first launched for the PlayStation3 (PS3®) system in 2010 and for the PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) system in 2012. Since then, PS Plus has gained great support from members all around the world, and the number of subscribers has continued to steadily increase since the launch of service. PS Plus offers various services such as exclusive game discounts, cloud game saves and "Instant Game Collection" by which members are able to play the full version of popular titles from third party developers and publishers as well as from SCE Worldwide Studios, with no limit of time at no extra cost.
To accelerate the enhancement of PS Plus, available concurrently with the launch of PS4, SCE will offer the #DRIVECLUB PS Plus Edition to PS Plus members which delivers all the authenticity and immersion users would expect from the full #DRIVECLUB experience. Users can drive the world's most beautifully designed cars from different classes across a range of the most richly detailed real-world locations, alongside your teammates in Clubs where experience and rewards are shared. More and more attractive software titles will be added to "Instant Game Collection".
Other main features PS Plus members can enjoy on PS4 include;
Online Multi Player: Users will have access to online play with other players via the network. Online Multi Play mode for PS4, with its socially integrated services, offers unique features only available on the system such as allowing users to seamlessly start playing game and join their online friends while spectating gameplay or enjoying cross game voice chat.
Automatic Patch Download: "Automatic patch download" feature will be further enhanced for the PS4 system. The system will check for any game updates more frequently and will also automatically install the updates. With this feature, games will always be up-to-date, allowing users to play games immediately whenever they wish to play.
Cross-Platform PS Plus membership: One PS Plus membership accounts for PS4, PS3, and PS Vita. PS Plus service is cross-platform and is available on most PlayStation platforms; PS3 and PS Vita users with existing PS Plus memberships will be able to access the PS Plus service on PS4, and those newly joined members for PS4 will be able to enjoy PS Plus service on PS3 and PS Vita.
SCE will continue to focus on further enhancing the PS Plus service. As part of this initiative, SCE will add new subscription options for 90 days in Japan (1,300 yen) and 30 days in North America and Europe ($9.99 / €6.99).
Along with exclusive game content and services, PS Plus will offer members a variety of privileges and discounts.
