PlayStation Exudes Confidence in PS Plus Strategy Amidst PS5 Game Streaming Launch

PlayStation is currently testing cloud streaming for PS5 games, with plans to make it available to PS Plus Premium subscribers. The service will feature a range of PS5 titles from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Game Trials, as well as supported digital PS5 games that players already own. Initially, players will only be able to stream these games to PS5 consoles. Nick Maguire, Vice President and Global Head of Subscriptions, expressed enthusiasm for the development, stating that the company is eager to share more updates once the testing phase is complete. In addition to PS5 game streaming, Sony has announced the addition of new games to the service this month, including Far Cry 6, Shredder's Revenge, and Rogue Legacy 2 on PS4 and PS5. The company has also seen significant success with the service, with over a billion hours of gameplay since its launch and users spending seven times more time on PS Plus compared to PlayStation Now. Maguire highlighted the diversity of the game portfolio as a key factor in the service's success, making it appealing to a wide range of players. The company remains committed to its strategy of releasing first-party games outside of the service first, allowing them to reach more customers 12, 18, or 24 months after release. While there may be opportunities for day-and-date releases, such as with the indie game Stray, the current approach is working well for the company. As the PS5 install base continues to grow, Maguire noted that the console is the biggest platform for the Plus service, including its more expensive tiers. The company is also exploring ways to expand the service, including potentially bringing it to PC and incorporating new features and games that players are asking for. Despite initial subscriber number drops after the new PS Plus launched, the service has returned to growth, and Maguire emphasized the importance of continuing to add value and relevance to the service to attract and retain players.