PlayStation Plus: How it Has Evolved Over The Years

Are you wondering how PlayStation Plus has changed over the years? With new features, services, and games coming out constantly, it can be overwhelming to keep up.

Read on to find out how PlayStation Plus has evolved since its launch and when the new PlayStation Plus Premium will come out.

Introduction

The PlayStation Plus program was launched in 2010 by Sony Interactive Entertainment to offer exclusive content and benefits for loyal PlayStation owners. Over the decade since its launch, the program has evolved and expanded its reach to include a host of additional services, from online gaming and communication to cloud saves and access to exclusive digital content. As a result, PlayStation Plus has become an integral part of Sony’s gaming ecosystem and provides enhanced experiences for fans of all ages.

In this article we’ll take a look at how the PlayStation Plus program has evolved over the years, including when its premium service – PlayStation Plus Premium – is expected to launch.

What is PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus, also known as “PS Plus” or “PS+,” is a subscription-based online service provided by Sony Computer Entertainment. It allows PlayStation Network (PSN) users to access premium features on their PS4 consoles, such as online gaming and exclusive content for a period of time. PS Plus also includes features such as early access to new games, discounts on games and accessories, cloud storage for game data, and having other players join your gaming parties.

The first version of PlayStation Plus launched in North America in June 2010 with the release of the PS3 Platinum Edition Release. The initial service offered unlimited access to free games, automatic firmware updates/maintenance downloads, exclusive deals/downloadable content (DLC), online events/tournaments and monthly rewards points or “badges” for participating in various activities within the network. Over the next few years, various additions were made including an upgrade system for game patches/beta testing opportunities and more ways to earn rewards points through completion of certain objectives in specific games.

Throughout its lifespan PlayStation Plus has grown from offering temporary access to games at no extra cost to allowing subscribers to purchase titles that are then permanently added to their library in what’s known as PS+ Collection. As of 2021 it also provides monthly selection of new “free” game downloads every month that can be played during the subscription period as well as a host of discounts for other titles on the PlayStation Store platform.

PlayStation Plus Benefits

PlayStation Plus, recently rebranded from PlayStation Network Plus, is Sony Interactive Entertainment’s subscription service for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Members of this service benefit from features such as free games each month, exclusive discounts on digital purchases, online multiplayer capabilities, early access to betas and demos, and even cloud storage. To take advantage of all the benefits of PlayStation Plus, users must purchase a 12-month or monthly subscription. The monthly subscription entitles members to the same benefits as a 12-month subscription with the added flexibility of being able to cancel or change plans at any given time without penalty. A major benefit to signing up for a PlayStation Plus membership is that every month, several games are made available as part of the new Instant Game Collection of free titles that can be downloaded through their library and added permanently to their collection. Members are not restricted from taking advantage of discounts offered in the PlayStation Store either — there are often deals that offer discounts on popular titles for existing PS4 owners. Join now to get special bonuses like early access to betas and demos so you’ll be able to try out the latest releases before they’re even released!

How PlayStation Plus Has Evolved Over The Years

PlayStation Plus, Sony’s online subscription service, is more than just a way to get discounts and new games. With its evolution over the years, it has become one of the premier subscription services for gamers around the world. The PlayStation Plus membership was first launched in 2010 for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) as an optional add-on. This added access to exclusive sales and discounts, multiplayer gaming access with friends or strangers, and a rotating selection of free games each month; which had to be claimed before they expired. Fast forward to today: PlayStation Plus members will now get two free PS4 games a month starting from December 2017. These games will remain accessible if you keep your subscription active instead of having to be claimed before expiry. Furthermore, Cloud storage functionality has been added since 2012 for PS3 users and this feature can now be found on both PS4 and PS4 Pro players for online game savesing with up-to 100GB of storage! For those who enjoy competing online against others in games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops III or FIFA17 have access to the ‘Party App’ which allows you to set up private sessions designed exclusively for PlayStation Plus members.

Not only does the service provide innovative features but they pre-emptively release exclusive items such as themes or dynamic mode backgrounds available in upcoming titles such as God Of War. Content like this helps players differentiate themselves from others during gameplay when something unique is on offer that isn’t available through conventional means (and even if it were – it would cost a lot!). Lastly PlayStation Plus has worked hard over the years in providing bonus content within catalogued deals – these give members exclusive discounts that don’t extend beyond those that subscribe to plus on products related but not limited to famous titles like watch dogs 2 or UFC 2! With so many features and constant updates since 2010 – PlayStation plus remains one of game industry’s most competitive subscription services offering gamers around world cutting edge technology for very competitive prices!

PlayStation Plus vs. Xbox Live Gold

PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold are two different subscription services that offer additional perks to gamers who choose to pay a monthly fee. Both services allow access to exclusive discounts and free games, as well as online multiplayer gaming. Neither service offers any other significant benefits beyond those listed above. In addition, PlayStation Plus members are able to vote on upcoming content in the PlayStation Store, have access to PlayStation Groove for music streaming, get early access to upcoming demos and Beta Trials for new games and more. Xbox Live Gold members are able to take advantage of cloud storage for their saved game data and even join special Xbox Insider events for the ability to provide feedback on game designs directly from Microsoft. Both subscriptions also offer exclusive discounts on select games. While the technology powering each service has changed over the years there is no indication that either will become a premium subscription service anytime soon. As such, will remain a good value proposition for gamers looking for bonus features beyond what they would normally get with an Xbox or Playstation alone.

When Does Playstation Plus Premium Come Out

The PlayStation Plus Premium service is expected to be released in early 2021. The new premium plan introduces a host of new features, including an ad-free gaming experience and additional discounts. With the introduction of this premium plan, PlayStation Plus members can enjoy more games added each month, online multiplayer gaming without limits, and exclusive rewards. The Premium membership will provide access to an impressive selection of popular titles for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. Some of the titles include Call of Duty Black Ops 3: Zombies, God of War 2 Remastered, Death Stranding and The Last Of Us Part 2 which will all come with their own in-game rewards. As well as these titles, those who purchase the Premium edition will receive exclusive functionality such as faster downloads and automatic updates for some PlayStation games. Furthermore, members with the premium subscription plan can start streaming their favorite shows and even rent or buy videos on demand from various selections on PlayStation Video service at no extra charge. This also allows users to take advantage of special offers such as discount codes when renting or purchasing movies on their consoles and access more than 500 digital TV channels around the world straight from their home console.

Conclusion

The PlayStation Plus experience has come a long way since its inception in 2010. Sony has completely overhauled and refined the subscription plan, making it one of the best value-for-money services available to gamers today. Currently, the subscription provides a range of benefits for an extremely affordable price tag. Players can access monthly hit games, discounts on purchases from the PlayStation store, exclusive features such as cloud storage and more. The cost of PlayStation Plus Premium is still yet to be revealed and it is unclear what kind of extra features will come with this package currently. However, we can assume that it will be similarly attractive as the current PS Plus subscription and will provide gamers with additional value for their money. In conclusion, if you enjoy gaming on your Playstation console then subscribing to their Playstation Plus service is an excellent choice that comes highly recommended by gamers worldwide.

FAQs

With the launch of PlayStation Plus in June 2010, Sony has evolved the subscription service significantly over the last 10 years, adding additional features and benefits for subscribers. This section provides answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding PlayStation Plus.

Q: What is PlayStation Plus?

A: PlayStation Plus (commonly abbreviated as PS+) is a paid subscription service that provides access to online gaming, online storage of saved games, monthly games as part of the Instant Game Collection, and discounts on games from the PlayStation Store.

Q: When did PS+ first launch?

A: PS+ launched in June 2010 with just one major feature – online multiplayer gaming. Since then it has expanded to include cloud game saves and extra perks such as monthly discounts on new releases or other full games. Additionally, it also offers members free games each month as part of its Instant Game Collection.

Q: Is there ever a free trial period for PS+?

A: Yes – from time to time Sony offers a limited time free trial period for users who have never subscribed before. This includes both 14 day and 7 day trials depending on the region and offer available at that time.