Now that the PlayStation 4 is officially two weeks away, all the details about the powerful console have begun to pour in. To break down the onslaught of details, we’ve broken down our coverage in a few sections that include:
Our final piece covers the PS4 and PlayStation Plus, online multiplayer, and the PlayStation Store. After the jump, the full FAQ sheet which includes nuggets like:
Can more than one person access my content from my PS4?
By setting your home PS4 your “Primary” console, the content you’ve purchased on your account is available to other family members without needing to sign in on your account.
Is PlayStation Plus necessary for multiplayer gameplay on PS4?
Yes, PlayStation Plus membership is needed for PS4 online multiplayer gaming. PS4 features a significantly enhanced online feature set that will deliver innovative new online gaming experiences.
Will non PS Plus members be able to play free to play online games on PS4?
Certain titles built on a free-to-play model will not require PlayStation Plus for multiplayer functionality in North America. This list currently includes Blacklight Retribution, DC Universe Online, and War Frame in North America.
Can I play online without a Plus membership?
Generally speaking, no. PlayStation Plus membership is required to play the majority of online titles on PS4, however a selection of free-to-play multiplayer titles will be available without a PS Plus membership.
If I’m not a PlayStation Plus member but I log into a PS4 system owned by a PS Plus member, will I be able to play online multiplayer?
Yes. If you don’t have a PS Plus membership, you can still access online multiplayer modes if you log into a PS4 which is set as “Primary” by a PS Plus member. This means that, for example, if one housemate is a PlayStation Plus member, everyone in the household will have access to online multiplayer. Additionally, on the same PS4 system, any games or content purchased by one user are available to other users who play on that console (unless that content has expired).
How many users can play online multiplayer modes on a single PS4 system set as “Primary” by a PS Plus member?All users can play online multiplayer modes. Up to four users can log in simultaneously to a single PS4 system, and all will have access to multiplayer as long as PS4 is set as “Primary” by a PS Plus member.How many local accounts does PS4 support?PS4 supports up to 16 local accounts, in addition to temporary guest accounts.What are the benefits of PlayStation Plus on PS4? What will I be missing out on if I don’t purchase a PS Plus membership?PlayStation Plus, the premium game membership for PlayStation home and handheld consoles, delivers unlimited access to a regularly refreshed collection of full games, discounts, exclusive beta access, online storage for game saves, and much more.
What features will be available with PlayStation Plus on PS4?
The following benefits will be available only to PlayStation Plus members on PS4:
- Online Multiplayer
Enjoy multiplayer competitive and cooperatives games via the internet. - Instant Game Collection
Access to a regular, curated selection of titles made exclusively available to PlayStation Plus members at no additional cost. The PS4 titles available on Instant Game Collection at PS4′s launch in North America will include Resogun and Contrast. - Discounts
Members will have access to exclusive discounts on PlayStation Store. - Online Game Save
Members may automatically (or manually) upload game save files to Online Game Save Storage for safekeeping. Up to 1GB of cloud storage will be allocated to your PS4 save files. - Other benefits
Early access to exclusive game content, automatic game patch downloads and installation, and more.
Does my Plus membership for PS3 or PS Vita systems still count for PS4?
Yes. One PS Plus membership will continue to grant benefits for your PS3 and PS Vita system, even after you pick up a PS4.
Will the Instant Game Collection model be the same on PS4 as for PS3 and PS Vita systems?We are continuing the spirit of Instant Game Collection on PS4 and offering our users free content and access to new gameplay experiences that foster stronger social connections and discovery. At the launch of PS4, PS Plus members will have access to Resogun and Contrast for no additional charge. PlayStation Plus will then rotate in a new digital PS4 title every month. For one price, PlayStation Plus members get all of the benefits of PS Plus across all supported platforms.What network services will be free on PS4, without a PlayStation Plus membership?Some of the features users can enjoy for free include:
- Accessing entertainment, film, and TV services (Users must subscribe separately to individual services)
- Share options, including sending gameplay video and screenshots to Facebook, screenshots to Twitter, or livestreaming gameplay via Ustream or Twitch
- Sharing video to Facebook,
- Playing PS4 games remotely using the PS Vita system (Remote Play)
- Comparing Trophy data with other users
- Sending and receiving text messages from other users
- PlayStation Store access (users must pay to purchase premium content)
- Live item, activity feeds on Dynamic Menu
- Party (cross game voice chat)
- Web browser
- PlayStation App services (on iOS/Android devices)
How do PS4’s parental controls work?
Can I block Internet access? Can I limit the amount of time my child is permitted to use the console?You can restrict start-up of the web browser, but you cannot limit the amount of time your child is permitted to use PS4.Can I block or unblock another user on PS4?Yes, you can block other users on PS4.What is PlayAsYouDownload? Will all PS4 games support this function?PlayAsYouDownload is a new feature for the PS4 system that speeds access to games downloaded from PlayStation Store. Supported titles will be playable after users download a portion of the data, while the rest of the game is downloaded in the background during actual gameplay. All titles are compatible this function, but certain titles may not support it at launch in North America.
How much will I need to download before I can start playing with PlayAsYouDownload?
The portion of a game that must be downloaded before gameplay begins will vary title by title, as will the time that it takes to download that initial portion. Users will be able to see when they are able to start playing by an indicator on the download progress meter. Certain titles, such as Killzone: Shadow Fall, will enable you to pick which mode to start downloading first, such as single-player or multiplayer.Can I access content I’ve purchased on another PS4?Yes, you can use content you’ve purchased on up to two PS4 systems simultaneously — simply sign into a friends’ PS4, and the content you’ve purchased will be available as long as you remain signed in.
Can more than one person access my content from my PS4?
By setting your home PS4 your “Primary” console, the content you’ve purchased on your account is available to other family members without needing to sign in on your account.
Can two people use my account’s content on two different PS4 at once?
Yes, this is possible.Will everything transfer from my PS3 system’s PlayStation Store account to my PS4, including Trophies, games, and movies I’ve purchased?PS4 does not support playback of PS3 games. Trophies are connected to your SEN ID, and will transfer seamlessly to your PS4.
Am I able to buy PlayStation Store content from other regions?We recommend that people buy from the PlayStation Store in the region in which they signed up in order to ensure the best experience and customer support.What entertainment services will be offered at the launch of PS4?Sony Network Entertainment’s Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited will be available at launch in North America. We will announce other entertainment services that will be available on Day 1 before launch. Check PlayStation.Blog and PlayStation social channels for further news and updates.
What is Music Unlimited?
The music destination on PlayStation 4. Music Unlimited is a cloud-based, ad-free music subscription service that enhances and simplifies music discovery from an extensive catalog of millions of songs. On PS4, users can create the soundtrack of their choice, to listen to while playing their favorite games. On the go, the service can be enjoyed on a variety of portable devices such as PS Vita, Android phones and tablets, and iOS devices such as iPhone.
What is Video Unlimited?
The video service, accessible from PlayStation Store on PS4, offers a la carte streaming movies and TV shows. The Video Unlimited service delivers new movie releases weeks before DVD and Blu-ray; the hottest TV shows the day after they air. The service is also available on other devices such as PlayStation 3, PS Vita, BRAVIA TV, and Xperia Smartphones, all with the convenience of a single Sony Entertainment Network account.Will I be able to play background music while I play PS4 games?Yes, the Music Unlimited streaming service will allow you to listen to music while you play PS4 games. A subscription to Music Unlimited is required. Get full details here.
Does PS4 include a music visualizer feature?
No.
Will I be able to play MP3s on PS4?
No.What is PlayStation App?This new application from Sony Computer Entertainment will enable iOS and many Android-based devices to become second screens. Once installed on these devices, users can purchase PS4 games while away from home and download it directly to their home PS4. Depending on the device’s operating system, version, or other conditions, some users may not be able to use the application.What does the DUALSHOCK 4 controller’s Share button do?The DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller features a dedicated Share button that enables players to save, distribute and share recorded gameplay video, captured gameplay screenshots, and livestream gameplay footage in real time.
Is PlayStation Plus required to use the Share button?
No. You will be able to share gameplay videos, screenshots, and perform game livestreams without a PlayStation Plus membership.
Where can I share my game content using Share?
PS4 players can share game video on Facebook, game screenshots via Facebook and Twitter, and gameplay livestreams via Ustream and Twitch starting on November 15th in North America.
How can I promote my shared content from PS4?
You can distribute recorded gameplay video to Facebook. For gameplay livestreams, you can post the livestream’s URL to Twitter and Facebook just when the livestream begins.Does PS4 always record all gameplay?Yes, PS4 constantly records gameplay footage automatically in the background, up to a maximum of 15 minutes before you press the Share button.
Do I have to record gameplay footage?
You cannot choose whether or not to record your gameplay. But as long as you don’t press the Share button on the DUALSHOCK 4 controller, the recorded gameplay will not be exported and it will not occupy space on the hard drive.Are users able to record, distribute or stream any gameplay video?No. Users may not be able to record certain areas within the game. Developers can select the area of restriction, and what will be restricted will depend on game titles. In these cases, recording will be temporarily suspended during the scene.
How long can I capture videos on PS4?
PS4 will automatically capture up to 15 minutes of your most recent gameplay footage, which you can then choose to share with your Facebook friends using the DUALSHOCK 4 controller’s new Share button. For livestreaming gameplay video, there will be no time restriction.
How long can PS4 users livestream gameplay?
Sony Computer Entertainment imposes no time restrictions for livestreaming, but some services may have time restrictions.
Will I be able to store my gameplay recordings on my PS4?
Yes, you’ll be able to store captured gameplay videos on PS4’s internal hard drive as long as you have sufficient free storage.
Can users edit the recorded gameplay video on PS4?
Yes, users can trim the video in the Share button interface. Currently, users will be able to specify a starting and ending point of the video in order to trim it to their liking.
Can I add voiceover to my Shared video?
You can’t add voiceovers to a shared video clip, but you can speak in real time when streaming live video.
Can users copy the recorded gameplay video from PS4 to other devices, such as PC?
PS4 users will not be able to directly copy recorded gameplay video files from PS4 to other devices, though they will be able to use the DUALSHOCK 4 controller’s Share button to upload videos to Facebook for distribution. This function will be supported by a future system update.
Can I archive my livestreams on Ustream or Twitch?
At this time, livestreams will not be archived for further viewing on Ustream. Users can archive their livestreams on Twitch by presetting via PC. Please follow PlayStation.Blog and PlayStation.com for news regarding PS4’s video services following launch.
Can I share my game videos on YouTube?
No. At launch, PS4 users will be able to use the Share button on the DUALSHOCK 4 controller to upload gameplay videos to their Facebook account, or to stream live gameplay to Ustream or Twitch. PS4 owners can follow PlayStation.Blog and PlayStation.com for further news on other services to come after launch.
Does PS4 support external HDMI-based game capture devices?
PS4 will allow the use of external HDMI-based capture devices following an upcoming system software update — please follow PlayStation.Blog and PlayStation.com for news following the launch of PS4.I don’t like to share my personal information. Am I forced to register my picture and social media accounts, or can I opt out?No. These are optional services and you are free to skip them at any time.
Discuss:
Do you already have a PlayStation Plus account?
[Via PlayStation Blog]
You must be logged in to post a comment.