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Sony Offering “Buyouts” For Instant Game Collection Titles

Ben-Dutka 15 Comments

The Instant Game Collection is fantastic for PlayStation Plus subscribers. But developers get something out of it, too.

Beyond added exposure, it has been confirmed that Sony often pays developers to give away their games for free in the IGC. As reported at ShackNews , PlayStation manager of developer relations Brian Silva said they will offer "buyouts" to designers who opt to give away their titles on Plus for a month.

No exact numbers were mentioned, but that's okay. We certainly understand the concept. And as Silva points out, with Plus becoming mandatory for online play on the PS4, there will be even more exposure for the titles that land in the Instant Game Collection. For my part, it's great to check the weekly updates to the IGC; just to see what I might be able to have for free. Games that I missed out on 'cuz I was too busy, games I didn't really want to pay for, etc.

And it's nice to see that developers are getting a little somethin' for being nice guys. Money talks, after all.

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Are Gamers Really That Miffed About Plus Being A Requirement?

Ben-Dutka 149 Comments

I've been wondering about this ever since it was confirmed.

As we all know by now, avid gamers will be forced to purchase a PlayStation Plus subscription in the new generation. Without one, you won't be able to play games online when using your PlayStation 4.

Sony has explained why this move was essential, and it makes sense. Personally, I think Plus is a great service and it offers far more than Xbox Live offers in terms of perks and bonuses. So, even though I really don't play online that often, I'm not too annoyed that I have to shell out $50/year to be a member. I mean, at about four bucks a month, I'm not sure we should be complaining for what we get. Of course, I'd still like to be able to keep the games I get through Plus; Sony needs to fix that ASAP.

But anyway, I thought I'd see a bit more fallout concerning this move. I thought everyone would be up in arms, complaining bitterly that they now have to pay to play online. But maybe it's just because the majority of the population is used to online fees of all kinds; there's Live, there are fees for MMOs, there are fees everywhere you look, really. The PlayStation Network was basically the last free-of-charge online service on the planet, if you really think about it. And as Sony said, they can't continue to deliver that kind of content without getting something for it.

I understand it. But do others…? I think they do, because while a great many are indeed pissed, I haven't seen a ton of Sony hate articles spring up due to this issue. Maybe it's just because the PS4 has gone over so well, that one little drawback isn't enough to deter any gamer at this point.

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How Would You Convince Someone That Plus Is A “Plus?”

Ben-Dutka 37 Comments

As we all know by now, a PlayStation Plus subscription will be required if you want to play games online with the PS4.

Obviously, that makes Plus a requirement for most people. But how would you convince the reluctant that Plus is indeed a "plus?" What would you say to effectively state your case? What are the most appealing aspects of Plus in your mind?

I'd say it's about a lot more than just access to playing games online. So, I'd probably start by saying that while Plus hasn't been a necessity this generation, many people still love it. They love it because of all the constant discounts and free stuff. They love it because they get free access to demos and early betas. They love the cloud storage. They love that they always seem to get first dibs and preferential treatment, all for only mere dollars a month. This is all besides the fact of online play going into the next generation.

For my part, I'd take another angle for older gamers who lead busy lives- There are a great many quality games that show up on the PSN. Those who don't have a ton of hours to dedicate to the hobby can't possibly play them all when they first arrive. So, by the time some of 'em pop up for free via Plus, it's a perfect time to try them out. I would occasionally check out what's free and discounted for Plus members, and many times I'd find a title I had always meant to play but didn't have time to try.

What would you say to help promote Plus?

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PSXE Poll Update: Most Gamers Are Big Fans Of PlayStation Plus

Ben-Dutka 18 Comments

As we all know by now, a PlayStation Plus membership will be required if you wish to play games online on the PS4.

That has definitely ruffled a few feathers but nevertheless, the vast majority of our readers are definitely sold on a Plus subscription. And rightly so.

It's not just because it'll let you play games online; it's because of the wealth of benefits members receive on a monthly and even daily basis. Not only do you gain early access to big game demos and betas, you also get additional cloud storage, plenty of free content via the Instant Game Collection (which is frequently updated with new titles), and ongoing discounts. Many believe it has a lot more to offer than Xbox Live, which is required to play online with the Xbox One.

This week, we want to know what your plans are for the next generation: Will you be a multi-console owner? And if so, which consoles will you own? Is it going to be just the PlayStation 4 for you? Or will you have to own all three, just 'cuz that's what a true hardcore gamer will do?

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Subscribe To PlayStation Plus Now, Get 3 Months Free

Ben-Dutka 13 Comments

Sony has some cool incentives goin' on in the first quarter of 2013, haven't they?

During the month of February, if you can convince someone to purchase a PlayStation Vita, you'll nab a $20 PSN credit and 1,000 Sony Rewards Points . But it doesn't stop there, you lucky gamer you.

As revealed over at the PlayStation Blog , from now until March 4, 2013, buying a one-year subscription to PlayStation Plus grants you three free months.

So yeah, that's 15 months of Plus for the price of 12, which isn't too bad. Don't forget that Plus and the Instant Game Collection is available on the Vita, "for a combined savings of $2,472 for the year." In addition, they just released the Classic White PlayStation 3, which features a 500GB hard drive and a voucher for Plus- If you redeem that voucher during this special promotional period, you'll automatically get those three extra months. Plus comes highly recommended from us, as the amount of savings, coupled with the early access to betas and demos, cloud storage, and other nifty bonuses, makes the elite service well worth the cost.

So if you've been resisting Plus so far, now's the time to take the plunge.

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Plus To Be Boosted With Free Top-Tier Games, Vita Integration?

Ben-Dutka 31 Comments

Changes may be coming to the PlayStation Plus subscription service. Don't worry, they appear to be good changes.

According to "multiple sources" as reported by Eurogamer , Sony is planning to unveil a Plus overhaul during the company's E3 press conference next week.

Apparently, this will include giving away "top tier games for free" as well as "proper integration with PS Vita." Bringing the new portable device into the fold seems essential; Sony will offer Vita exclusive titles, downloadable content, and cloud services, which would mean you don't have to connect the handheld to a PS3 or PC to back up content. There is no confirmation on this yet, but Plus content manger Ross McGrath did throw up this leading Tweet :

"By the way, if you don't have a PS+ subscription, now is the time to get one. For real. Just get 3 months if you aren't sure. Trust me."

Okay, we'll trust you. Plus has been a great deal from the start, but this should make it even better, especially if you're a Vita owner.

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