Gaming has become more than just a simple pastime for many people around the world, with endless opportunities for fun, community, and competition. As a result of this newfound interest, many companies have taken to launching their own subscription services that allow gamers to get access to hundreds of games at a fraction of the price.
Enter PlayStation+, Sony’s groundbreaking subscription service that has taken the Canadian gaming community by storm. But what exactly is PlayStation+ and why has it become such a sensation among Canadian gamers? Well, that’s what we are going to explore in this article. Let’s get straight into it.
What is PlayStation Plus?
First, let’s take a look at what Playstation Plus is and what role it performs. PlayStation Plus, often abbreviated as PS+, is a subscription service offered by Sony Interactive Entertainment for its PlayStation gaming consoles. Essentially, it’s a membership program that provides users with a variety of benefits and exclusive features to enhance their gaming experience.
At its core, PlayStation Plus offers access to online multiplayer functionality, allowing players to compete and cooperate with others in multiplayer modes across a wide range of games. This aspect of the service has become increasingly important as multiplayer gaming has become a staple of the industry, enabling players to connect with friends and fellow gamers from around the world.
However, PlayStation Plus goes beyond just online multiplayer access. Subscribers also gain access to a selection of free games each month, spanning across different genres and platforms. These games are available for download and play as long as the subscription remains active, providing subscribers with a constantly refreshing library of titles to enjoy. This also includes new titles and popular games, like Control.
Additionally, PlayStation Plus members often receive exclusive discounts on digital purchases, including games, DLCs, and add-ons. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers looking to expand their collection without breaking the bank.
Benefits & Advantages
As you can tell, PlayStation Plus offers a pretty valuable service. But what advantages and perks do gamers get subscribing to PlayStation Plus? Well, one of the most significant advantages is the access to a vast library of games at an incredibly affordable price.
The cost-effectiveness of PS Plus cannot be overstated. For a relatively modest subscription fee, you gain access to a plethora of games that would otherwise cost significantly more if purchased individually. This presents a tremendous value proposition, allowing players to enjoy a wide range of high-quality gaming experiences without breaking the bank.
It also gives players the opportunity to explore new games and categories they never would have before. To use myself as an example; I was never interested in Indie games until I upgraded my PS Plus subscription. They just didn’t appeal to me, and I certainly wasn’t going to pay money for something I wasn’t interested in.
However, once I upgraded my PS Plus subscription and tried out Hollow Knight (I mean, why not? It’s free and everyone was talking about it), my world was never the same again.
Many gamers have had similar experiences, finding new favourites and being able to explore games they would have never otherwise even looked at. It’s like getting an offer to play at 10 dollar minimum deposit casino – you get so much for so little.
It’s Not All Good
While PlayStation Plus offers numerous benefits, it also has its drawbacks that Canadian gamers should consider. One notable limitation is the relatively smaller selection of games compared to other subscription services. While PS Plus provides access to a diverse range of titles each month, the overall library may not be as extensive as those offered by competing services like the Xbox Game Pass.
Additionally, the availability of free games through PS Plus is tied to the subscription period. Once a subscription expires, access to these games is revoked until the subscription is renewed.
This can be frustrating for gamers who may not always maintain an active subscription or prefer to own their games outright. Furthermore, while discounts on digital purchases are offered to PS Plus members, the selection of discounted titles may vary, and some popular games may not receive significant discounts.
These negatives are definitely something to consider, and for some Canadians, it makes PlayStation Plus not worth it.
Conclusion
So, has PlayStation Plus been successful in Canada? On the whole, yes. The value this service offers is incredible, and any gamer who wants to play a wide range of games would practically be losing money by not being signed up. However, that’s not to say there aren’t issues.
The gaming catalogue of PS Plus is lagging a little compared to the Xbox Game Pass and other services, and not getting access to physical copies of games is definitely a downside to some.
Despite these issues, PlayStation Plus has seen huge success in Canada as well as other locations around the world. In all likelihood, it will be a core service offered by PlayStation for years to come.