In 2022, the way we access video games radically changed. Xbox Game Pass becameaccessible on TVswithout a console, Logitech took a stab atcloud-focused hardware, and theSteam Deckmade PC games accessible from anywhere. Services were instrumental to some of those changes, as companies looked to hook players with a monthly subscription rather than pushing them to buy individual games. When Sony announced it was revamping its PS Plus service earlier this year, it felt like a big piece of that industrywide transformation was about to fall into place.
Six months removed from its launch, I’m left asking that question. Though I’ve enjoyed playing around with the service’s deep library, I’ve even stopped paying attention to Sony’s monthly announcements that detail what games are coming to the service. It’s a bit of a letdown only because there’s a lot of potential in PS Plus that’s currently going untapped. If Sony’s going to make its service a more viable option in 2023, there are key changes it might want to consider to bring it more in line with its rivals.
Day and date launches
More retro games
Simplified tiers
While it’s nice to give players more options, the tier system winds up acting as a confusing barrier for entry. You need a flowchart to understand which tier comes with what, and the service’s one-year plans mean you can’t downgrade once you’ve locked in. Either some more streamlined tiers or a monthly option could make it easier for players to parse exactly what they’re getting each month and make a clearer decision.
A stronger ecosystem
PS Plus doesn’t quite nail that same appeal. WhileRemote Playmakes it possible to access your PlayStation account from a phone, it’s not as seamless and easy a process. PlayStation is currently lagging behind both Microsoft and Nintendo when it comes to letting players access their library anywhere. PS Plus could help bridge that gap if Sony made the service more easily accessible through various devices. I look forward to the day where I can boot upBloodborneon my parents’ TV while visiting for the holidays.
While PS Plus is off to a rocky start, it’s worth remembering that Game Pass wasn’t built in a day. Its earliest iteration was far less appealing than it is in 2022. All things considered, the new PS Plus is off to a better start than it seems — it’s just playing from behind.
