If you’re a gamer, you know that Sony has been dominating the console wars this generation. Their PlayStation 4 has outsold its competitors by an astronomical number, and with good reason.
Not only is the console itself generally more affordable than Microsoft’s or Nintendo’s flagship machines, but it also offers some unique features that have proven to be quite the selling point for gamers.
Among these is PlayStation VR, a virtual reality system built specifically for use with the PS4 and its extended library of games (and soon, movies).
But along with all of these fantastic perks comes one drawback: as of right now, there aren’t many worthwhile exclusive games for the PS4. Although there are still plenty of great third-party exclusives like Bloodborne and God of War, most big blockbuster titles tend to release on other platforms as well.
This has left many gamers wondering why they should choose Sony’s console over another one in the first place.
What Is Sony’s Game Pass?
Game Pass is Sony’s take on the “Netflix for games” model. It’s a subscription-based service that grants users access to a rotating library of games for a fixed fee. And what a library it is — for a basic monthly fee of $9.99, you can choose from over 100 full PS4 games to download and play as often as you like.
Sony hasn’t released an official list of titles available through Game Pass yet, but they say that the options are “nearly endless.” And it’s not just PS4 games that are accessible through the service.
When Sony launched the PS Now service in 2014, it was a game-streaming service that allowed users to play PS3 games on the PS4. It was a rather ambitious effort that didn’t quite live up to its potential, but with Game Pass, it’s been completely rebranded and revamped.
The streaming system is now much faster and more reliable, and the selection boasts games from both the PS3 and PS4 libraries.
Why Does Sony’s Game Pass Matter?
If you’re an avid gamer, you know that new releases are often pretty expensive to purchase. New titles can cost upwards of $60 and even more during the holiday season, with some bundles even costing over $100.
Meanwhile, Game Pass is a monthly subscription that gives you unending access to hundreds of games at a fraction of the cost. Of course, some of the games available through Game Pass have been out for a while and might not be at the top of your to-play list. But with such a massive library at your fingertips, you’re bound to find something to scratch that gaming itch.
If you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for, Sony’s service has a handy sorting system that lets you browse titles by genre and release date.
This means that if you’re in the mood for a good old-fashioned beat-‘em-up, you can scroll through the selection and pick whichever title you want. Of course, there’s also a search bar for those who know exactly what they want.
Why Was Sony’s Game Pass Launched In The First Place?
There are a few reasons why Sony might have decided to launch Game Pass. First, as mentioned above, there aren’t many exclusive PS4 games currently available.
This makes it more difficult for gamers to make a decision as to which console they want to purchase. By including a massive library of PS3 and PS4 games, Sony has putitselfs in a more advantageous position against Microsoft.
Additionally, the launch of Game Pass may be a response to the recent launch of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass. This subscription service currently offers access to roughly 100 games, and gamers have praised it as a cheaper and more convenient alternative to Sony’s subscription service.
With Game Pass, Sony hopes to even the score and re-establish PS4’s place as the console of choice for gamers.
What You Should Know About Sony’s Game Pass
- Pricing and subscription information: For now, Sony has offered only a vague timeline for when Game Pass will premiere. They have announced, however, that it will be coming “soon” and will be available for $9.99 a month.
- It’s a subscription-based model: Unlike most video services, Game Pass won’t let you download and own any of the games that you play. Instead, all games can only be played as long as you’re a paying subscriber.
This means that once you cancel your monthly fee, you’ll no longer be able to access any of the games. - It’s not just games: Because it’s a subscription-based model, Sony has decided to add some other perks to sweeten the deal.
For instance, they’ve partnered with Netflix to offer free access to their streaming library, as well as the PlayStation Store, which offers digital games and in-game items.
Final Words: How Will This Change The Games Industry?
The launch of Sony’s Game Pass has been anticipated for quite some time now. With a massive library of games at your fingertips for a monthly fee, it’s bound to be a game-changer.
Not only will it allow gamers to save some cash on their hobby, but it will also help to solve the problemofh PS4’s lack of exclusive titles. With Game Pass, Sony can offer a rotating selection of PS4 games that gamers can download and play as often as they like.
This means that players can drop as many as 100 hours into a single game without having to worry about purchasing it. This will definitely make gamers more comfortable with investing in newer titles, and Sony has already hinted that they plan on including some major releases in the “rotation.”
If you’re a gamer, the launch of Sony’s Game Pass might just be the best news you’ve heard in a while. With a rotating selection of hundreds of PS4, PS3, and PS2 games that are completely accessible through your console, it’s bound to keep you entertained for hours on end.