I didn't realize Amazon and Netflix offered video games. Mind linking to that?
You are right that the comparison you made doesn't work out too well. I'd like to think that the average person would understand the differences of streaming a game in comparison to music or movies.
Also, how is the cost of technology not the consumer's concern? If they want to use the service they should be able to stomach the cost. I'm not entirely sure but couldn't you compare this to paying for Ps+ or Live to play online? Sure they can probably eat the cost of allowing it free, but at the same time why should they?
In the end I can understand why this would not be worth it for some. The only thing that is keeping me from subscribing is the fact that it doesn't have any games that want. I imagine that will change when they increase their library. Until, that happens I'll probably just do individual rentals.
If you are someone that values ownership over a library of games this is clearly not for you and never was going to be for you, in the same way Netflix and spotify are not really for the diehard movie or music aficianodo. Judging by the success of streaming services there is a sizable chunk of the mass market that doesn't give a shit about "owning" the movies they are going to just watch once anyway. I imagine there is a chance to target this same type of consumer with games. That's what this is. If you want to be able to own a library of ps2 and 3 games you should probably hang on to your ps2s and 3s.
I would've offered a PS++ service with this bundled for like $80 a year
Well I guess I'm looking to the future when they add more games, and the fact that they are old games shouldn't be a problem. At $15 a month, you have that whole month to pick and choose games that you may have missed, or want to play again.
I'm not saying people have to use it, but it's a pretty good deal for what you will get. Also, how is the service taking away from time playing on the Ps4? If you don't want to play them, no one is forcing you. And if time is a problem, you can always rent individual games that catch your eye. Don't forget that Ps4 is not the only system you will be able to use the service on, it's just the first.
Of course it's optional and good on Sony for providing this option after the EA Access issue they had. Everyone is going ot perceive value differently (and for different reasons).
As someone who has kept all their old consoles and still currently has their PS3 setup, this service provides zero value for me (let's ingore the fact that Australia will most likely never get it anyway). I own all the games I want, get free ones every month with my existing Plus sub and can pick up digital or disc versions of older games I could want for cheaper than what would be $20-$30AU a month.
To be honest, I thought my scenario would be the one most GAFfers would be in. I assumed many of us kept our older consoles truth be known.
I guess I'm being presumptuous there. I guess I could see how this would be pretty good value for someone who ONLY owns a PS4 and absolutely nothing else. But to me it seems they're the only customers who would get any genuine value out of it.
While I haven't subscribed to EA Access myself, I personally see more value in EA Access because:
a) I'm not having to stream a game. I will have an actual copy on my HDD
b) The games are far newer
c) I get discounts on brand new games and can try them early
d) I't sonly $40AU per year. PSNow will most likely be almost $30AU a month.
EA Access and PS+ are competitors. PS Now is in its own space in the console area.
so for 1/4 the price essentially... and how would you plan on making any money with this again?
Warhawk is on there. Nice!
In terms of currency, this translates to £12 in the UK
I would bite at £12 a month. I wouldn't bite at what it's going to be which is £19.99
Eh, this seems like it will flop to me. I just don't think the average person plays enough games in a month to want to pay more than double the price of Netflix for this.
This type of service just seems like a dead end for video games to me. They simply aren't consumed like films or television shows.
Eh, TV series are alot easier to watch than to play a game though and your save files are gonna be tied to the PS now version of a game.
If I'm watching a show on netflix and it gets pulled before I get a chance to finish it, I can pick up the blu-ray version and start directly on the episode i left off on.
If i'm playing MGS 4 and it gets pulled half way through it, I need to get a physical copy and start from scratch
Rental and subscription lists must be identical before I come anywhere near this at $20.
Rental and subscription lists must be identical before I come anywhere near this at $20.
this is the future! but it will take a while for it to work flawlessly i bet..
will wait for vitaTV support lololol
Honestly, I think the majority of people may be better off just buying a PS3. What are PS3s going for now; 80, 100 dollars? Combine that with cheap physical games and I'm sure the price tag would be less than 180 dollars a year, and there's no time limit. I'm lucky in that Catherine is probably the only game I'd ever really miss on PS3, but for those who are excited about PS Now's streaming service...just get a PS3??
Edit: Okay, so PS3s have retained their value a bit better than I expected (~130 on Craigslist). Still, it's something to consider I think.
Hi Zingakun,
This is a great question. PS Now offers both individual game rentals and the upcoming subscription service.
The PS Now rental catalog already has 200+ games and games are added weekly so yes, you may find some games that will not be in the current subscription offering but can still be rented individually.
Subscriptions will give you access to 100+ games that get unlimited access and this catalog will evolve over time.
Wow. So SONY's promised answer to providing a backwards compatibility option is to market a subscription service to some nebulous demographic that never played PS3 and charge money for it.
And people are okay with this.
Okay...
Maybe you could, you know just buy a PS3, just saying....
I am very confused as to why there are two separate lists.
I am very confused as to why there are two separate lists.
I'm a HUGE movie/music enthusiast and Netflix/Spotfiy compliment my physical collection quite nicely. Not sure why you're segmenting the audience this way. Streaming and physical both have their advantages and I assume a large chunk of people feel that way. Sure, I'll always buy the latest Zelda or Metal Gear Solid or Uncharted. But I wouldn't mind streaming/renting some overlooked gem from last gen. Or pulling up a PS1 classic on my Vita. This service has tons of potential for people who want a bit of both.