While a PlayStation Plus subscription will be required for online multiplayer on the PlayStation 4, it will not be required for many other functions thankfully. Speaking to VideoGamer.com, Sony confirmed a number of features that will not need PS Plus to work including online movie and TV streaming, social features, and the previously Plus-exclusive auto-update ability.
"If you choose not to subscribe we are still gating relatively little in many senses, so access to online catch-up TV and online movie services sit outside of the gate, for example. The social features of PS4 and PS4 games sit out of the subscription service… things like auto-updates on PS4 sit outside of PlayStation Plus, so we’re trying to be as balanced and as fair as we possibly can," explained Sony Computer Entertainment Europe UK & Ireland Managing Director Fergal Gara.
"If you choose to pay the subscription, yes, you get one important element of modern-day gameplay, but you also get fantastic value in games, including the PlayStation Plus Edition of DriveClub."
Allowing media streaming from apps such as Netflix and Hulu is a good decision by Sony, who’s PlayStation 3 was the top platform for Netflix. My family, like many, very frequently uses their PS3 for Netflix and PS4 is positioned to be another great media device in addition to a gaming console.
Stay tuned to PSU for breaking news on the PS4 and everything PlayStation.
Ernest Lin is a US Editor for PSU when he’s not watching films you’ve never heard of on Netflix. Follow him on Tumblr & Twitter for updates on gaming, movies, traveling, anime, Japanese pop culture, and more.