Wie bereits bekannt, wird das Online-Spielen auf der PlayStation 4 nicht umsonst sein – eine PlayStation Plus-Mitgliedschaft ist hierfür nötig.

Eric Lempel, Vize-Präsident von Sony Network Entertainment, erklärte gegenüber GamesIndustry, dass diese Notwendigkeit aus dem “signifikantem Wachstum” des PlayStation-Networks und PS Plus resultiert: “Wir haben das Netzwerk über die Jahre aufgebaut und bedeutende Investitionen getätigt…und es ist, ehrlich gesagt, schwer, das alles [gratis] beizubehalten.”

Nachvollziehbar, denn der Ausbau der Netz-Infrastruktur kostet, zumal das Netzwerk nunmehr 150 Milllionen registrierte PSN-Konten  verzeichnet; (Was er nicht verriet: Wieviele davon PS Plus-Abonnenten sind) Darüber hinaus habe man es laut Lempel für die PlayStation 4 komplett überarbeitetet. 

Zudem bietet PlayStation Plus aber auch einen großen Mehrwert, schließlich bekommt man beispielsweise bei einem Jahres-Abo für 50 Euro laut Sony Zugriff über 60 Spiele (PS3 und Vita zusammen). In den USA gibt’s zum PS4-Start Resogun und Contrast gratis zum Download, die alleine schon 30 Dollar Wert sind. Und letztlich bittet auch die Konkurrent Microsoft für Online-Multiplayer zur Kasse.

Keine Next-Gen-Konsole ohne Patch: Wie schon im letzten Jahr die Wii U (wir berichteten hier) und bald auch die Xbox One (mehr dazu hier) wird auch die PlayStation 4 zum Start mit einen umfangreichen Patch bedacht, der nun kurz vor dem US-Launch am Freitag zum Download bereit steht.

“Update 1.50” ist 308 MB groß und lässt sich auch von einem USB-Stick starten. Es verpasst Sonys Konsole unter anderem die RemotePlay-Funktionalität,  Multi-Log-In, Gruppen-Chat, Screenshot-und Video-Aufzeichnung, sowie Blu-Ray- und DVD-Film-Wiedergabe – wegen des großen Umfangs unten aufgelistet gemäß VG247.

Wohlgemerkt, dieses Update ist für die US-PlayStation 4 bestimmt, nicht für die EU-Version. Dennoch gibt es einen Einblick darauf, was (vermutlich) auch wir zu erwarten haben:

• Remote Play: Users will be able to access PS4 titles displayed on their living room TVs and play them on a PS Vita system over Wi-Fi networks by using PS4 Link (Depending on network environment or titles, remote play performance may vary outside of the home). We anticipate that most PS4 titles will be playable on the PS Vita system through Remote Play. The latest PS Vita system software version, to be released soon, will be required to use PS4 Link.
• Second Screen: Users can use the PS4 Link application for the PS Vita system, and PlayStation App for iPhone, iPad, and Android-based smartphones and tablets, to use these devices as second screens in supported titles. PlayStation App has the ability to enable users to interact with games with their mobiles devices. For example on The Playroom, a title pre-installed in all PS4 systems that requires PlayStation Camera, users can draw pictures on their mobile device screens and flick them towards the TV. The images then appear as a 3D object within the game.
• Record, take screenshots, and upload gameplay effortlessly: The PS4 system provides dedicated, “always on” video encoding systems that enables seamless uploading of gameplay. Users can share their epic triumphs by simply hitting the Share button on DualShock 4, take screenshots or scan through the last 15 minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game – the video uploads as the user plays. At the PS4 system’s launch, users will be able to share their images and videos with friends on Facebook and screenshots with followers on Twitter, though users will need to sign up for individual accounts to use Facebook and Twitter.
• Broadcast and spectate gameplay: The PS4 system also enhances social spectating by enabling users to broadcast their gameplay in real-time to game fans around the globe, using Ustream and Twitch live internet streaming services (users will need to sign up for individual accounts to use Ustream and Twitch). There are two ways for users to view live broadcasts. First, the Live from PlayStation application on PS4 aggregates streams from all PlayStation users. Second, users can spectate friends’ PS4 gameplay from PCs, and applications such as Ustream, Twitch, and browsers, which are installed on their mobile devices. These applications can be easily started up via PlayStation App, and users can also use these applications to post comments to gameplay broadcasts. Furthermore, users with PlayStation Camera can stream camera images and microphone sounds along with their live gameplay broadcast.
• Play as you download: This feature enables users to play supported digital titles as they are being downloaded. The time it takes to begin playing will vary depending on game data size and network environments, and not all titles will support this feature When a game is purchased, users can start playing after PS4 downloads a portion of the data, while the rest of the game is downloaded in the background during actual gameplay. Games may be downloaded in stand-by mode.
• Multi log-in: A maximum of four users can log-in to a single PS4 system simultaneously. These players can use their own save data to play games, and also earn trophies on their own Sony Entertainment Network accounts even when playing a multiplayer game together on a single PS4 system.
• Party (Voice chat): By using the Mono Headset bundled with the PS4 system, users will be able to chat with up to eight friends enjoying different applications or games. Furthermore, users can use Party to chat between PS4 and PS Vita systems.
• Face recognition and voice commands: Users with PlayStation Camera will be able to register their facial image onto their PS4 system, and login to their system using facial recognition instead of DualShock 4. Furthermore, users can use either the microphone of the Mono Head set connected to DualShock 4, or PlayStation Camera to navigate through the PS4 home screen (PlayStation Dynamic Menu) with voice commands to start up games and shutdown the system, among other features; please refer to PS4?s online manual for recognizable voice commands.
• Background music player: Users can enjoy gameplay while listening to music in the background with Music Unlimited, a cloud-based digital music service. Users can also voice chat with friends while listening to music. Learn more about Music Unlimited here (LINK: http://www.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com/music-unlimited/why-music-unlimited/).
• Online Multiplayer: PlayStation Plus members will be able to play PS4 titles online with other players via the network. PS Plus makes it easy for members to join available online multiplayer matches in a variety of ways, including the ability to easily join a game from a live stream broadcast or Party voice chats.
• Blu-ray Disc and DVD player: Users can enjoy not only gaming on their PS4 system, but also Blu-ray and DVD video contents. When using for the first time, users must connect to the internet to activate this feature.

Und dies sind die Funktionen der PlayStation-App für iOS und Android:

• Directly access various PSN features and information: Users can access their own profile screen; access/compare their own and friends’ Trophy accomplishments; Exchange messages between PS4 systems, PS3, Vita and mobile devices installed with PlayStation App.
• Access and filter friend profiles: Notify users about their friends’ shared activities on “What’s New”; Notify PS4 users when they receive any new notifications or game invitations. Users can also display their lists of game items.
• Browse the official PlayStation website:: Users can access the PlayStationofficial website to browse through news, blogs and game information. The language and content of the website will depend on the country the user’s Sony Entertainment Network account is registered.
• PS4 Second Screen Feature: Users can install PlayStation App on to their mobile devices to use as a second screen in supported games. For example on THE PLAYROOM, a title pre-installed in all PS4 systems that requires PlayStation®Camera, users can draw pictures on their mobile device screens and flick them towards the TV. The images then appear as a 3D object within the game.
• Spectate other PS4 users’ gameplay: When users’ friends upload or begin live streaming their gameplay on PS4 systems, the friends’ activities are displayed on “What’s New” of the PlayStation App screen. When users tap on this notification, they can boot pre-installed applications, such as browsers, to spectate the uploaded gameplay. Users can also post comments on gameplay screenshots, footage and live streams.
• Purchase game content on PlayStation Store: Users can purchase game content while away from home and download it directly onto their PS4, PS3, and PS Vita systems.
• Use a mobile device as a simple remote to control the PS4 system: Once installed, users can use their PlayStation App to control their PS4 system as long as both devices have access to the same Wi-Fi access point. For example, users can switch their PS4 system to standby mode, startup their PS4 system from standby mode, and use their mobile phone as a keyboard for their PS4 system.