PlayStation launches new subscription service at twice the original price – can it convince gaming fans? | Science and technology news

Sony PlayStation has released its answer to Microsoft Xbox’s gaming subscription service Game Pass.

For the past five years, Game Pass Ultimate has offered players a massive back catalog in exchange for monthly or yearly payments.

It’s been widely acclaimed for being great value for money, and offers access to some of the biggest titles out there.

Now, PlayStation hopes subscribers will upgrade to the new PS Plus Premium from its rather basic PS Plus service.

Currently, the basic tier of PS Plus costs £6.99 a month or £49.99 a year.

The premium tier costs about double that at £13.49 (£3.50 more than Xbox) monthly or £99.99 annually.

With the cost of living crunch for millions of families, will people be willing to pay nearly double for the new PlayStation product than the base tier?

Mark Griffith, director of the International Gaming Research Unit at Nottingham Trent University’s Faculty of Psychology, told Sky News: “If you’re a football fan of a particular team and the club increases their prices, fans will buy season tickets even in times of recession and Inflation, avid gamers are likely to do the same.

“Paid gaming services are unlikely to appeal to the casual gamer, but that’s not the market gaming companies are necessarily targeting… I don’t see the pay for new services like this being any different, despite the rising cost of living.” “

The new service provides access to many of Sony’s back catalogues, including fan favorites like Spider-Man, Miles Morales and Horizon Zero Dawn.

Nostalgic gamers can also benefit from a range of PlayStation 4, 3 and even 1 games.

Previously only available to subscribers to PlayStation’s PS Now streaming service, players can now enjoy this as part of an all-inclusive price.

Players can also stream their gameplay across devices, making their console available anywhere through their smartphone.

Subscription services vie for customers’ money

However, digital entertainment companies face a challenge.

Stuart Miles, editor of consumer tech guide website Pocket Lint, said: “With so many subscription services from Netflix to Disney+ all vying for our money, consumers need to weigh which service offers them the best value for their money.”

It was reported last week that Netflix recently laid off 300 employees in a second round of job cuts due to falling subscribers.

This news comes a day after the launch of new video streaming service Paramount Plus and adds to the wide range of subscription options available to consumers.

“As the cost of living crisis deepens, the ‘sign yourself to everyone’ mentality of the past may not be as viable going forward,” Miles added.

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dr Jethro Shell, Lecturer in Games and Intelligent Systems at De Montfort University in Leicester, added: “Both gaming and TV services could be the first spending to be phased out, certainly ahead of areas like broadband and mobile phones.”

However, he says the rising cost of a brand new game could persuade people to sign up: “Adding the new service will no doubt increase subscriber count and revenue, despite the cost,” said Dr. shell.

And there’s also an element of “perceived” savings, added Dr. Add shell.

“The latest PlayStation games can cost up to £50, with certain editions going up. Xbox’s Ultimate Pass costs twice as much and still has hundreds of games to play.”

The list of games available on Sony’s new service is long and will please many PlayStation loyalists who have been clamoring for a service similar to Xbox’s for years.

Only time will tell if it’s enough to attract new subscribers and boost Sony’s digital sales, and if consumers can plunk down enough money to buy another digital subscription.