News
Sony E3 2013 Press Conference
Sony Enhances Playstation Network
TOKYO, June 11, in the year of our Lord 2013 --
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today 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 Christmas launch of PS4™ in each region.
Furthermore, PS4™ users will have access to a wide variety of
streaming and social network services.
The PS Plus service first launched for the PlayStation®3 (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. With the
collaboration of Sony Network Entertainment International,
starting today and for a limited time*1, PS Plus members in 16
countries*2 can subscribe to a one year Premium subscription of
Music Unlimited*3 for only $41.99 (€41.99) -- 65 percent off of
the regular 12 month rate. Also, for limited time*1, consumers
who do not have a PS Plus membership can take advantage of a
discounted Music Unlimited service annual Premium subscription
plan for $59.99 (€59.99) *4. PS4™ at launch will not only
support Music Unlimited but also Video Unlimited*5.
Furthermore, in terms of social integration, PS4™ will support
variety of major SNS, including Facebook, Ustream, and Twitter,
allowing users to easily communicate and share game play with
their online friends. PS4™ will be the ultimate entertainment
platform, delivering rich gaming and unrivalled entertainment
experience.
Additionally, as of today, SCE will modify the PlayStation
Network service name to a more simple and friendly name "PSNSM,"
and will introduce a new logo for "PSNSM" and PS Plus.
SCE will continuously enrich services and the feature of
"PSNSM", while striving to offer more stable and robust gaming
environment to further expand PlayStation platform.
*1 The offer will be closed as soon as it reaches a certain
number.
*2 Includes US, Canada, Mexico, UK, France, Denmark, Belgium,
Netherland, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Finland, Sweden, Australia,
New Zealand, Norway. The promotion is not available in Japan,
Italy and Brazil.
*3 Offered by Sony Corporation.
*4 Offer not available in Italy and Japan.
*5 Offered by Sony Corporation.
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