PSU staff writer Will Robinson and managing editor Kyle Prahl have been friends for years. They often talk about the future of PlayStation. Today, that meant discussing how PS4 streaming and recording won’t require a PS Plus subscription.
This is their series.
Kyle Prahl: I think what’s most exciting about this news is not that consumers have one more reason why NOT paying for Plus is OK–because, let’s face it: everyone should be a Plus subscriber–but instead, it’s exciting that Sony recognizes the potential for not limiting PS4’s marketability and social reach to just Plus subscribers. These PS4 videos and streams–of ALL kinds–are going to be all over Facebook, YouTube, you name it. Better to give more people a chance to show off PS4 to their friends, ultimately raising sales and generating word-of-mouth interest.
‘Look what my friends are playing! I need one too.’
Will Robinson: True, but I’m still somewhat skeptical. Isn’t PS Plus required for online multiplayer? So even if you chose not to pay for Plus (and I agree, why would you not?) you still can only stream and record offline play, basically cutting the feature’s value in half or more.
Kyle: I don’t think the feature’s value is necessarily cut in half. It’s true that multiplayer gameplay (and competitive situations) would be more compelling over time–who wants to watch someone play inFAMOUS single-player a year or two out from release? But in the short-term, I see myself tuning in for anybody’s stream of a new game, whether that’s Destiny, Elder Scrolls Online, what have you. Especially if I don’t already own the game, I’m going to be REALLY curious to see how it plays. These videos could seriously influence purchasing decisions for many people going forward.
Will: Yeah, being able to stream gameplay at anytime you want will be huge for sales, especially how easily accessible and directly targeting PlayStation’s core audience. YouTube gameplay/commentary videos have sold who knows how many games, and having that content readily available on your console will only help.
Kyle: I wonder if Sony has thought about how this will affect game critics. There’s always the possibility that someone might leave their stream on by accident, or purposefully leak information, before a game’s release. I don’t expect that will be common, but now that it will be easier than ever to score that "exclusive," the temptation for people looking to score hits will be strong.
At the same time, everyone and their mother will be streaming gameplay and making a big deal about it, which helps out every game website, big and small. The difference will be who incorporates something interesting to rise above the pack.
Will: I don’t think that Sony or other publishers/developers will need to worry about unapproved streaming of content. I’m sure it will happen, but the people or sites that do it will screw themselves over and severely damage whatever relationship that was there. Also, will your mother be one of the mothers streaming game content?
Kyle: Admittedly, no, but who knows? Maybe if it’s a particular compelling game, I could convince my parents to watch from home. I could see them sitting down to watch me silently play Quantic Dream’s PS4 game like a 10-hour movie.
Of course, that’s predicated upon them getting a PS4. There’s a better chance of a Corgi flying through my window.
Will: I could make that happen if you want. Just need a ladder and a corgi…
Kyle: And a highway-ready car.
Will: I would risk it for this.
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You can follow Will on Twitter.
You can follow Kyle on Twitter and Facebook.