We’ve received a lot of questions in regards to PlayStation Plus: How to use it, what content is available, and more. Today we’d like to present some answers to some of the common questions we’ve heard.
Q: What is PlayStation Plus?
A: PlayStation Plus is a subscription service offered to enhance your experience on the already free PlayStation Network. It offers you, the user, exclusive services for added convenience:
- Automatic downloads where select game demos and other content get delivered straight to your PS3 system, so you don’t have to think about it.
- Full game trials which allow you to play up to 60 consecutive minutes of a game. When you purchase the full game (or when you insert the Blu-ray disc of that game), you will get the PSN trophies that you earned during the trial.
- Special discounts on the PlayStation Store and exclusive opportunities like select betas and select early demos.
Our goal is to deliver a valuable enhancement to your gaming experience.
Currently, you can purchase a three-month subscription at $17.99 or an annual subscription at $49.99 with an additional three months free. Subscriptions can be downloaded from the PlayStation Store, or you can purchase PlayStation Network cards at a retailer near you now; dedicated PlayStation Plus cards are coming in October.
Q: How do I use PlayStation Plus?
A: After you purchase your three-month or one-year subscription, your account will be branded as a PlayStation Plus account with a Plus logo next to your PSN ID. There is a PlayStation Plus category in the PlayStation Store where you can see all the offerings available to you at that time, or you can peruse other parts of the PlayStation Store and you will be able to see discounts, exclusive content and games, themes and avatars that are available to you in each category.
Q: What is the PlayStation Plus release schedule?
A: PlayStation Plus has a monthly rotating schedule of content that we post on a bi-weekly basis or, to rephrase, we post new content every other Tuesday. We plan to feature PlayStation.Blog posts the following Wednesday so you will see what’s coming (and what’s being taken down) for the next PlayStation Plus update.
Some content that was posted will be removed from the Plus category but not from the PlayStation Store. As long as you have downloaded the content and are an active PlayStation Plus subscriber, you will be able to re-download your content, even if it is removed from the Plus rotation or if you have deleted the content.
Q: What happens when my PlayStation Plus subscription ends?
A: The content you have downloaded as part of your PlayStation Plus subscription at no charge is only accessible as long as you are an active subscriber. The exceptions are free themes and avatars, which you will continue to have access to, even if you are no longer a subscriber. Anything you have purchased (even if you purchased it at a discount) will remain available to you even if your subscription ends.
Q: My subscription expired, but I renewed it late. Will I get my content back?
A: Yes you will.
Q: What do I currently get with PlayStation Plus?
A: PlayStation Plus offers a variety of discounts, games and exclusive content. In general, you will have access to at least the following, which rotate monthly:
- 1 PSN game or PSone Classic game
- 2 minis
- A monthly Qore single episode
Currently, there are categories from our partners at Midway and Tik-Creat Games that offer 20% off PSN games and free add-ons.
We will continue to regulaly update PlayStation Plus with XMB themes and avatars, exclusive items, select game demos and additional discounts. We will also offer exclusive opportunities only made available to PlayStation Plus members such as our current Hulu Plus Preview and the discounted two-year PlayStation Protection Plan.
Q: Is Qore included in PlayStation Plus?
A: Yes, the current monthly single episode is included in PlayStation Plus — the same episode found on the PlayStation Store (regular price $2.99 per episode). Annual Qore subscribers still receive their monthly subscription including their additional downloadable content.
Q: What about those exclusive game betas?
A: Betas have limited invites and based on selection criteria not every PlayStation Plus member will get access to every beta; however, we’re working with game developers to make qualified PlayStation Plus members the first to gain access.
Many game betas are done to test certain parts of a game or certain functionality (like previous game add-on integration) so that when the final version of the game launches, it’s the best it can be. Oftentimes, betas are extremely limited as well. We need to ensure that members of Plus meet that individual beta’s requirement to be issued an exclusive invite.
There are two betas for PlayStation Plus members coming up shortly and more details will be announced soon.
Q: Why did X country get this and we didn’t?
A: Different countries have different rights, release schedules and, as many of you know, have different things available in their PlayStation Store for this reason. We are constantly working to align our content globally, but to also ensure that our North American audience gets the content that is available to them as some games are released globally on different schedules.
Q: What about Cross-Game Chat (or other functionality)?
A: We are constantly working on new services and features to enhance your PlayStation experience; however, Cross-Game Chat was not announced as a part of PlayStation Plus’ features. We know that Cross-Game Chat is a functionality our fans are extremely interested in and we are always striving to improve the PlayStation Network experience and services.
We invite you to send us your feedback and suggestions using the PlayStation.Blog Share tool (located to the right of this post) and stay up to date on what we are doing by signing up for newsletters, our forums, and following us on the PlayStation.Blog, Facebook, and Twitter.
My Review on Playstions Plus:
I like the idea of getting free and extra content. But here’s the deal when you are going to launch a service to combat one of the biggest online gaming services… (the biggest…xbox live) You better come strong. Launching with wipeout for free… ok everyone has this game. It’s what? 4 years old? Minis no one cares about they are terrible. Psone games… ha maybe give out some good ones… 2 extreme? really? That game is awful. The only two halfway decent games I have even been provided with have been Mushroom Wars and Critter Crunch. But they still are not games that I would actually buy or play regularly. They were interesting… Thats it. So far I have not been impressed. My roommate did not by the service and you know what. I have nothing to brag about. You need something that gamers want. And crappy games or old games that either didn’t sell well or are not selling well anymore are not going to help me brag to my friends and say… You HAVE to get this service.
So another issue I have. Automatic Download never works or I just sign on tuesday evening when new content comes out and download it manually. It has worked a couple times and I find corrupted data on my ps3. Also I thought the service auto downloaded and installed title updates for games? I guess not that has never worked either.
Also, why does downloading videos take forever. All my settings are correct I have an appropiate NAT. I believe type 2. My Ps3 is hardwired to Verizon Fios with a 35mbs/dl and 35mbs/ul speeds. Why the hell does your network suck for downloading stuff. On xbox I can login download a movie and within seconds watch while downloading with zero hiccups. When on ps3 if I try to use the “play while downloading” feature it hiccups all the time and is miserable to even attempt to watch. Please fix your network speeds. They are terrible.
I’m glad Sony is reconizing that Cross Game Chat is an important feature. I love my playstation 3 but I am going to be honest every multiplayer online game gets bought for my xbox 360. Simply put the service has more features. And the main reason chat works everytime. Absolutely zero issues with chat. I purchased Borderlands for Ps3 to play coop with my roommate and the chat does not even work on the Ps3. The game developer has done nothing to fix the problem so I sold the game. I bought that game for online. Not for single player. Party Chat, Cross Game Chat that works with out a hiccup is essential if you want us to play online on your system. Also, some more food for thought… Create an alternate Official Sony Headset. The bluetooth one is the most uncomfortable headset I have ever worn. Create one that fits over my ear please or is at least more wearable than for 10 minutes.
How about having streaming video as well on XMB similar to xbox. I always have videos to watch from Major Nelson, or IGN strategize. Spend some money on some features. I understand Microsoft has limitless pockets but if you really want to beat them out you have to do something and PS+ is not helping. Very few people even subscribed.
PlayStation Plus AKA Garbage Day
•A monthly Qore single episode.
In the UK we don’t have this, so is it possible to look into PS + members getting ” FirstPlay “.?
This could help gamers by having an insight into games, ect. This also means that games could be bought by people due to reading ( or seeing ) what is in FirstPlay.
Another thing that is floating around is an idea of maybe giving a Free movie once a month from a list given from yourselves to PS+ members.?
So they are already backpedaling on what was promised.
* 1 PSN game or PSone Classic game ( supposed to be “and” not “or”)
Betas have limited invites and based on selection criteria not every PlayStation Plus member will get access to every beta. ( supposed to be everybody that payed for + not who ever you feel like inviting)
Come on Sony your supposed to be adding to the service not taking stuff away. And I like how this guy answering the questions uses runaround corp speak every time somebody asks about these issues that really makes me feel like a valued customer.
Really I wish now I had just payed for the 3months instead of the year then I could have see how much you guys are ripping people off and canceled this garbage at the rate your going it’s going to be down to getting “1 Mini a month maybe but only if you qualify.”
I hope that you guys don’t put Cross-game voice chat only as a PS Plus addition. I’d like to be able to chat with only my friends and drown out the random jerks online without having to pay $50 a year for it.
Wow! After reading these comments I’m surprised that anyone actually has the guts to answer them…not that I fully disagree. Here’s my two cents (if anyone cares):
1. PSN or PS1 game debacle = disappointment.
2. Beta access not available to everyone = disappointment. To think that I might get excluded out of a beta (after paying for this service) because I don’t play obsessively = disappointment.
3. Wipeout HD/Critter Crunch/Mushroom Wars are all excellent PSN game choices. Syphon Filter (good PS1 game) A little old, but excellent nonetheless.
4. Ways to improve: Offer a choice between 3-4 PSN games each month (people love options), perhaps include a free video rental (not that hard to do?), add more PSP content (not at the cost of excluding other content), discount games that are somewhat popular (see Capcom’s previous game sales), and add more free avatars and themes.
It’s been a slow start, but I think that the service has potential with some minor tweaks. I’m still on the fence in regards to later renewal. Thanks for your efforts.
Digging the fact that there’s actually responses to feedback this time. Normally PS+ has been ignored.
Anyway, as I’ve posted on every disappointing content release post for PS+, I’m mainly frustrated with the fact that it’s being geared towards new owners, when it’s clearly going to be purchased by hardcore owners.
What does this mean? The free games are outdated, already purchased and irrelevant. Sony needs to move away from this being a big draw.
Rather, discounts need to be offered on NEW games. This needs to be the main draw. Moreover, more functionality would be HUGE.
Avatars are meh. Themes are very nice.
Anyway, Sony should hire me, because I got the midas touch and a heart of gold. If you don’t want to pay me, you should at least listen to this advice!
I also think the suggestions in comments #188 and #190: A poll indicating games/items of interest would be great. Also a flat fee discount on new release games would also be greatly appreciated.
Many of us simply don’t have money to throw around. When I sacrifice my small stash of “fun money” on a service it’s nice to be rewarded. I already felt like I got slapped for subscribing to Qore, only to have it handed out for free on PS+ (which is a great thing to do by the way) without providing me a discount or any sort of refund on the money that I spent where the two overlapped.
I enjoy Sony’s services, but let me sing-a-long with everyone else as we say, “There are ways to improve.”
I think that plus is alright but the content that you are giving us is stuff that either we already have bought from the PS store or just old content. For the plus service to stand out we need newer content something that makes the service more enticing. That way you get more subscribers and the plus members are more satisfied.
Can we get Name Changing? Dont want to make a new account and loose all my trophies. Ill pay to change my name
@ElChingon2588
You do realize that the ability to change your PSN ID (once only) is available for Japanese PSN accounts right? Sony already have that feature but as usual fail to implement it for EU and NA accounts.
I heard this was exactly what would happen when the service first started and the assertions were absolutely correct. It is indeed a worthless shoddy substandard game rental service. Red faction is a year old game and not very popular, its been in the bargain bin of many stores for months usually at $20 or less. I got mine in just such a sale BEFORE PS minus got it, MONTHS BEFORE. Warhawk? I still find it very hard to believe you take yourselves seriously with this one. Its a very old game and not a very good one. Do you really have no clue that theres already a free demo out for evryone? and I should point out the demos been around for years. Most people who have the game have the DLC for it already.
As for not delivering what you told people was part of the service when it launched, Sony do you still not realize this is illegal? deceptive marketing practices alone is enough to land you in court. But taking peoples money for a product / service and deliberately not delivering can and regularly does land people in prison.
Give us the option to hide/delete trophies and I’ll subscribe to this scam. I’m sick of having my little cousin’s games on my trophy list. I do not play Hannah Montana the Movie.
Sony, PS Plus hasn’t enriched my experience or made me feel satisfied as an early adopter. More ways than one I feel limited in what I can buy and not buy on a giving week(s) or month(s). I do not want to have “free” games when I can’t even be given the option to buy that “free” game instead. I miss out on deals that I can’t take part of because the store refuses to sell me the content at its regular/sale price. Can you fix this for subscribers?
Also could you not “advertise” beta as an incentive for purchasing Plus? Unless all PS Plus users gain instant access, it shouldn’t be a perk. We all know the improbability of millions of Plus users having the ability to get into every beta. It doesn’t make sense that only a “select” few will ever get them. It makes all of us who paid for it unappreciated because we paid to be special, but we’re not.
I agree with some of the others on their complaints but I think that’s been covered for the most part so I’ll say some stuff I’d like to see in PS+
Video Store (discounts or free shows/movies) like the game side
Playstation Home (items and/or places)
PSP + (like the ps3 gets dicounts, demos, games, and comics)
Does Playstation Plus give us faster downloads? Currently forced updates with slow downloads is making me look at moving to an XBox 360. If PS+ would give me download rates comparable to rates I get downloading from basically all other sources I might consider paying for it.
I want to see a direct blog response to the “PS1 or PSN” issue. So far there hasn’t been one, seems like they’re just trying to sweep one under the rug and pretend millions of people won’t notice.
WAIT WAIT HOW DID IT GO FROM 1 PSN GAME TO 1 PSN GAME OR PS1 GAME?
WHAT A RIP OFF
how do u sign up for playstation plus for pspgo???
if the content goes from a promis psn game,1 ps1 game and 2 minis gets takin away
IM BUYING JAILBRAKE
hmmmm… so far all the free game trials ive already owned and most of the free psn games too there were demos for all of the trials 2 to make plus better you need to give the games you have the least amount of downloads on y give away a free game every one has already please change ps+ fast xbox users are laffin at usss
Please Sony i want you guys to give us the ability to change our PSN ID names even if for a small fee
I gotta give props to Mr.Lex Scheuble if i came up harsh in my post im sorry, but at least he is taking the time to answer people questions/complaints which in my opinion is very important in a blog post, unlike some people who post on here *Grace…*
anyway this is what i would like if you guy would want me to buy PS+:
1. More psp content- you guy are rarely supporting it (KH:BBS not on the psn? this is insane, plus there is A LOT of past games not on the psn)
2. a better Psn/ps1 free game selection- maybe have polls out to see what people want and maybe even have selections of free games?
3. like someone said maybe a free movie rental from time-to-time doesnt have to be for every ps+ update, but maybe one once a month couldnt hurt.
4. i remember seeing someone saying that free dynamic themes/avatars were suppose to come out and that seems nice.
5. Free comics from the comic store- again like the video store its something you guy have and it would be a nice to have once in a while.
6. Playstation Home content- like with the psp in my opinion this isnt getting the support it needs I and a lot of other people use it take advantage of that! maybe every month have a Playstation Home Package that includes some clothes/accessories/decorations/Personal Space/etc.
By far 1 and 6 would definitely make me purchase Ps+, since i am mainly a psp user (i do use my ps3, but mainly for Home) and all im saying is that with this i think more people will enjoy not only ps+, but also their psp/ps3/psHome!
ok this is out of control. Lex Scheuble, you keep avoiding to answer the question. So please answer MY QUESTION. Is Sony now taking away what we were once promised before purchasing PS PLUS? Are they now only giving us LESS than 1 PSN, 2 minis AND a PSone Classic EVERY MONTh? If they are going to give us less than that is complete crap. We were promised these items at purchase so we all want what you said we would get. If this is the case then how about I renegotiate how much I pay you for the year, how about i give you 25 bucks instead of 50? Sounds fair to me! Man my Xbox 360 is getting more and more play time these days and I for one will not be paying for PS PLUS next year if this garbage keeps up. Stop dumping on us, stop seeing how very little you can give us and make good on the purchased agreement you promised when you so keenly took all of our money. So sick of you guys changing the rules of the purchased agreement after you have our money. I’m pretty sure its illegal.
Majority of PSN members are in their late 20’s to their late 30’s and increasingly getting older. Most of us have been gamers since the Atari, Texas Instrument, Apple Computer, IBM 888 (snipes… lol), Commodore 64, Amiga, Magnavox Oddysse, Coleco, Intellivision, Sega, Nintendo, Playstation, XBox and PC’s.
The terms of endearments used by Lex Scheuble aren’t appreciated and come across as condescending and incredibly silly.
As far as Lex Scheuble’s responses for this thread… she is plainly stonewalling and isn’t clarifying anything that helps ease consumer’s to purchase PS Plus. This hasn’t been clarified by SCEA/PSN due to their scripted response to post our feedback on the blog (which we are currently doing).
The only clarification for me and many others has been shared by other PSN users on the PS Forums with frustrating experiences with the Sony Consumer Care Representatives. It’s unfair to blame the PS CSR because they need to keep their job and follow the scripts they are issued. The blame goes to the middle management and their poor interpretations of official announcements made here on the blog, game conventions and media events.
Thank you for the FAQ.
I have a few questions.
Can PS Plus subscription be stacked? For example, if I buy annual subscription twice, will the expiration date be 2 years and 6 months from now?
If it can be stacked, what is the maximum number of years that it can be stacked?
Thanks again.
this is a question to add to the FAQ. How do you become qualified to participate in a beta?
Hey Lex, when will you be making PSN better than Xbox LIVE? So far PSN is boring as hell. Every single thing that I go to (Trophies, Game saved data, ect.) has a loading screen. It’s not user friendly at all. Cross-game chat? Xbox has had it since like forever. You seriously want me playing on my Xbox 360 more than my PS3? Playstation 3 may have superior hardware, but on the software side… Micro$oft is beating that hell out of you.
Finally there is a possibility that the ps3 will have cross game chat.It would mean so much to me.Do sony know how much i want to play fallout 3 and talk to at least 1 of my friends while exploring the F***ed up wasteland?
I take back every negative thing I’ve ever posted about Plus. This great effort to communicate goes a long way with me and makes me feel great about my choice of Sony over the other competitors. Thank you Sony. I am a more confident customer today.
BloodyCow@ Oh man that sucks. Why cant we have those things. I have too many stuff in my main Account but dont want to make a new one. Just want to change my name. Sucks that sometimes JP or UK get some good stuff and we dont. I hope someday they will add it
I don’t mean to knock Plus so much..I really don’t.
I just expected more.I thought they would be a little more in touch with those PS guys who heard about plus and went all starry eyed.In my mind I saw developers designing dynamic themes.Showcasing designers and developers talents.Not discounts on stuff that is already there if willing to pay.I literally want a PLUS.This feel more like PS Extra.
From question ” 202 ” we have had no answers from anyone.?
So if theres someone about to answer some questions we have asked this will be good ?
@202/232 LittleBigDragonz
You need to ask that on the EU blog, but the reason FirstPlay isn’t included is because it’s not produced by SCEE whereas Qore is produced by SCEA.
thank you Lex, I didn’t want to have to start busting heads up in here.(figuratively speaking)
Not being a nerd here but, i’ve been with playstation for 14 years and ps3 to me is a big success in GAMES and features but it lacks in online like ps home, not enough features online. I understand why sony can’t get cross game chat its patented by there competitor. Sony don’t try really hard on the cross game chat try fixing up the internet browser, the laggy in game XMB, the Friends list, etc. Sony you have other things to focus on than playstation plus and cross game chat… you don’t need to worry about games because 90% of your exclusives are KICK ASS there amazing but just work on the things i listed be more open really respond to people in ps blog share because you responded to 20 people’s ideas in the 2 months. Sony you guys never let me down but my ps3 keeps freezes because of the laggy XMB. PS3 has potential in the online department heres one game that really shows MAG if ps3 can handle 256 players,dedicated servers with like almost no lag than ps3 can pretty much do anything I hope you read this LEx
It seems we have some PSN users with Stockholm Syndrome. Anytime someone makes a suggestion or complaint they are the first to defend SONY. lol
When will Cross game voice chat come?! It better be free! It would get you allot of XBlive users that has both system to you! That is a win win situation! Royalties for SONY and ppl get an awesome future!
How about giving us a straight answer on cross game chat? You keep avoiding the answer with “we are working in features” or “go to share” Thats not answering us. Is it in the works or not and if it is when can we expect it? If there is no intention of coming out with cross game chat then tell us so all everyone can shut up about it. Also how about letting us know about the other features you being vague about are on the way? So far the updates and features added are weak and worthless. Share is a waste of time, anything update related to the PS3 and features we have requested have been ignored.
The PS3 is a big disappointment and Plus only adds too that for most of us, there is absolutely no reason to have the service. Auto update is a joke because it doesn’t check everything, beta access is moot because most of the time we get our invites from the dev sites and plus now from the FAQ doesn’t add anymore chance on getting into a beta, discounts and free items are only on things you cant sell in the first place. When is Plus actually going to turn into the service you all promised? Sure we pay $50 to MS for Live but we get what we pay for.
@236
I’m all for suggestions. I just have a general aversion to whiners who start huffing and puffing if they don’t get what they want rift away, even going as far as calling the PS3 a “big disappointment”.
actually people … they never said that avatars and themes would be available EVERY MONTH . just work your way to the original announcement to see that . i can understand the beta thing . in order to attain the best beta info developers want the most qualified … which is why i dont believe in beta vouchers . letting some half wit in on a beta becausem he paid money is not helpful .
1. Discounts on a larger selection of GOOD titles, both new and old. I was thrilled when I found out I could purchase Infamous and store it directly on my hard drive. That, however, is the only title available on the PSN Store worth purchasing. I’d like to see less half-hearted mini games that I’ll quickly grow bored of and a wider choice of feature titles! Where is Killzone, ModNation, or God of War? THE biggest thing the PS3 has going for it are its exclusive games. Most, if not all, should be available for PS+ users to download directly to their PS3. Give us more hit titles and I assure you, I will gladly purchase them.
2. I know this was said before, but some sort of cloud-based platform for your save files would be an AMAZING feature for those of us with multiple consoles.
And in an unrelated note, I think the lack of transparency you’ve shown on the issue of cross game chat is disappointing. I don’t think you should keep us in the dark about one of the most requested features. Are you working on it or not? Is it even possible? If we don’t know, we’ll keep asking for it and about it. I realize that it may not even be possible being that it STILL hasn’t been implemented, but please TELL US about what is going on!
Well, I like PSN Plus but i’m wondering.. Since the LBP 2 Betas are releasing i’m curious.. Will it be available to PSN Plus users ’cause it even says PSN Plus users had free early beta acess and I don’t think it’s fair that regular users should have early access to play the LBP game I love so much while a PSN Plus user like me doesn’t get what he paid for and was one of the benefits of being a member of PSN Plus.
@240 actually they did say “monthly dynamic themes” on the 6/24 blog about Plus
I love my playstation and i love the old PSN so with that said i do not support playstation plus and will never buy the plus because it is to much like me paying for x-box live and i’m totally anti x-box so please reconsider and do away with the plus crap.
I am so glad I only got a 3 month PSN+ plan and no I will not be renewing. And yes I disabled your default auto-renew in my account management.
I’m hoping my decision is only temporary tho, when you guys actually start putting new stuff up I would gladly sign up again. I’m sorry but I don’t want your used PSN games that are 3 years old, nor do I care about mini’s or Qore.
Features… add them. MKV, XChat, PS2 EMULATION!, you know… the stuff that’s on your share.blog that you guys just put up so we had a place to cry at :P
I know many people here want Cross Game Chat (as do I), but, like others have mentioned, is it really that important? You’ve survived up to this point without it, and you can survive longer. Still, it would be a welcome addition. As for PS+, I’m still on the fence on shelling out 50$ for a so far underwhelming service. But it could improve, so I’ll just wait.