How does it feel to be used? — How Playstation Plus is profitable

GameDwellers looks at Playstation Plus, examining how it is a very profitable service for Sony.

[Snookies12]

Feels great, I love getting all sorts of games I might never normally try. I've found quite a few gems thanks to PS+. :]

Not to mention the ones I DID want, but never really decided to buy that I got to play. I'm mainly paying for PS+ because of the cloud saves (love having those for backup and going to friend's houses). So the free games I'm getting along with it, really are free to me.

[sinncross]

I disagree with pretty much everything the author says.

1) Saying that PS+ users already have played most of the games, is a bit of a stretch. Sure it is for some, but that is part of the deal when you sign up.

2 Therefore, no one is really expecting brand new games to be on the service. (some kind of aren't that old though). it comes down to expectations: when Sony showed off the revamped PS+ last year it should have been obviously what kind of deal you were getting.

3) Deals dont take money... using Gucamelee as the only example makes no sense. That is like saying that you bought PS+ and the only thing you did with it was buy a game at a lowered price. That is such a ridiculous thing to call PS+ on. That is like an added benefit to PS+ being a rental service.

4) Anything on the PS Store is a marketing scheme. Just like when you go shopping at a store: they arrange stuff in such ways that you will notice other stuff. You dont even need PS+ to do that: the PS Store is designed in such a way where they show off other stuff.

I dont know... the author is not wrong per se, but completely stretching every point to seem like a bigger issue than they really are.

[Gaming101]

The "author" doesn't know jack about doing business. He clearly has no education in business, and has no idea how to add value to services. Screw him! PS+ is just one of those things that virtually everyone who gets it inevitably loves at one point or another due to all the exposure to games they get that they otherwise never would have.
All services are digital, so Sony isn't losing a dime if they decide to give away something for free as long you as remain a subscriber, that's how netflix works, you essentially get everything they have as long as you remain a subscriber. It's called business! And it happens to be a very good business model that tons of people love.

[delboy]

I own a ps3 since day one, before ps+ I bought over 100 games.
That's about 20 games per year.
Now since I subscribed to ps+, last e3,I bought only 3 games, next game will be Bioshok Infinite.
So from 20 games per year I went down to 3-5 games.
In my case, Sony has lost money with ps+.

[violents]

1. He said the real "hardcore" gamers have prob already bought them, and hes right I buy a lot of games and have owned or still do own a lot of the games they have given away.

2. No one of intelligence would expect them to give away brand new games. That would be stupid from a business standpoint.

3. uh if deals don't make money why do stores have sales? Do you think they are just really nice and want to give you a great deal?

4. That's the point, if you go in to get your "free" game then you are forced to see other games and deals going on at the moment, henceforth enticing you to buy them, because(see number 3 again)deals on games sell games, people like sales.

[HammadTheBeast]

Going by his logic, Steam should've failed long ago.

And considering Hitman Absolution, only a few months old is coming next month, it completely invalidates that argument.

[Blastoise]

Best thing about PS+ is if you get it for PS3 (like I did) then you get it for free on Vita. It's epic

[FunAndGun]

Yeah, I bought a Vita because Plus added Vita games. I think I would have bought a Vita eventually, but the Plus addition pushed me over the edge.

[MikeMyers]

I will say this as a Plus member since it started, it has gotten better. We get more free games now, Vita has been added (and not just throwaway games either). We also get more new games with discounts than when the service first came out.

I have gotten my $5o worth long before the year expires each time I renew. I would like to see more beta's though.

[stuna1]

This is just an attempt to discredit PS+, because it's already known that Xbox Live will once again be a paid service with most likely higher fees!

But to answer the question! I so, so like to be used by PS+! It can even spank my bottom for all the benefits I've already received through the service.

[violents]

How is this an attempt to discredit anything, the guy is talking about how great of a deal ps+ is and how its still profitable for sony. Dude at least read the article before you stick your foot in you mouth.

OH my bad, I just realized your prob talking about that haters comment.

Sorry yo!

[Sucitta]

I really thought the title of the article implied that I should feel 'used' for paying for xLive all these years without getting a single percent of what Plus offers gamers..

Then I read the article, what a waste of time.

[nix]

i finally succumbed and subscribed to Plus because i was getting Gravity Rush free. i'm sure i'll get some more free games on PS3 too. i don't know what because right now my PS3 is dead. /:

[Mr_Writer85]

Log into the web store and add them to your downloads you don't wanna miss out.

[hesido]

Make sure you add stuff to your download list through a PC. e.g. I have LBP2 on disc, but added to my download list in case I lose the disc :=)

[nix]

okay.. thanks guys.

[hellzsupernova]

hell yeah the aurthor should sign up!

I never got around to sleeping dogs, free on plus and is now my favourite open world style game!
MGS 2, 3 HD for vita i never played these as a kid and im am loving those games!
ME3 i couldnt believe that game came to plus and i had literally just finished ME2
I feel like im riping sony off with all these amazing deals sounds really fanboyish but its true!
ive just downloaded Gucamele discounted on plus cannot wait to jump in
my list of games grows by the month :) couldnt be happier!
thanks sony

[dedicatedtogamers]

PS+ fits in nicely with my gaming habits. I don't buy every single brand-new game because I don't have the time to play them all right at launch (I used to do that, but then the game would sit on the shelf for a month or two and typically drop in price). If you are patient, you will find plenty of deals and freebies sooner or later. For instance, the Vita has/had Uncharted:GA, Disgaea 3, Wipeout, and Gravity RUsh free to download within the last two months.

On the other hand, if you buy every scrap of DLC and every brand-new release, then the PS+ deals aren't going to seem so attractive.

[Malice-Flare]

sure PS+ is a profit grab, but then so is paying XBL Gold for Youtube, Netflix and online multi-player and that it is much worse...

this article will only be valid if PS+ changes on PS4 and i doubt Sony isn't conscious of that after presenting themselves as more 'friendly'...

[BitbyDeath]

Article summary -

PS+ offers new games = The hardcore bought them last week :-(
PS+ offers old games = The old games aren’t new enough :-(
PS+ offers discounts = Discounts lead to purchases :-(
PS+ Service overall = PS+ advertises with free games and advertising is bad :-(

Hope I saved some of you from clicking on this garbage article.

[r21]

Thank you for having us to from reading that crap. Have a bub.

[DragonKnight]

Lots of negative or B.S. articles floating around today. I don't think that people choosing to pay for PS+ are being used.

[Qrphe]

This wasn't a negative article.

[DragonKnight]

It was a B.S. article then?

[KrebStar]

I don't understand the point of this article, outside of the usual "start shit, get hits" model of writing. You mean PS+ isn't some great sacrifice by Sony that benefits the consumer and only the consumer? Well, no shit. The article is essentially an excessive way to express a pessimistic point of view. If you stop to examine the number of ways in which you are "used" in your day-to-day life, you are going to experience one hell of a bleak existence.

[shauzy]

the only bad thing about PS plus is that when you get a free game, you can't BUY it, you have to renew your subscription in order for you to play it, other than that PS plus is all that great

[KrebStar]

Sadly, this is one way that Sony should be using the consumer, but are not. There would certainly be a market for a sort of "keep it" option, like a digital method of what Gamefly offers. Sometimes a game grabs you to the extent that you might think something along the lines of "I want to pay to make this mine". While some people would find it crazy to pay for something you already have full access to, there are a lot of people who would do so, especially when some of those PS+ sales overlap a game that was once free.

[hellzsupernova]

that is a really really good idea!!!!!
like you download it you finish it but plus finishs then it somehow figures out a discounted rate to which the playstation store will offer you the game for that would be awesome

edit: although i cannot see myself not having plus. as i have both ps3 and vita.

[FunAndGun]

You could always just make a new account and buy it through there.

Your main account for Plus
Your second account for purchases

I know that is not ideal and that shouldn't be an answer, but it is a work around.

[kingPoS]

I usually do that with game soundtracks in the store. The Papa & Yo ost sounds great!

[Mr_Writer85]

Just create a new user and buy it, the main log in can still play it.

Fun got there before me.

[N311V]

I heard on a podcast last week that this problem has been fixed, you can now purchase the full licence to games you previously "purchased" on PS+. Sorry I can't remember which podcast it was, maybe last week's (or the week before's) Playstation Blogcast?

[Insomnia_84]

Dafak is this? 0.o?

[BrianC6234]

There's been more games on PS Plus that I don't own than I do own. It's a great deal.

[ApolloTheBoss]

I'd gladly want to be used getting free games every month rather than pay for Live any damn day.

[Soldierone]

The only thing I want changed is a bigger selection of discounts. I don't understand why Sony's own titles are not all listed at discounted prices? I mean it's their own titles, there isn't anything to haggle there....

[Kingthrash360]

trash.....next article

[kingPoS]

PS+ - filling up hard drives with gaming goodness since 2010.

If there ever was a complaint about plus, I'd probably be about the default manner of grabbing a game from the account settings download list. But that alone doesn't stop that awesome feeling I get when I see a huge list of games that aren't demos. I'll be honest. It can become rather addictive watching that list constantly grow every month after month.

Heh he he! Nearly all my ps1 titles are trilogies. More fuel for my portables. Mwahahhaahh!

[Serjikal_Strike]

Ps+ rules

Have had it since day 1,no regrets
Just not enough time for all the games

[matrixman92]

its a great idea...just wish EU and US would balance out. I dont think there is an argument in saying that EU gets way better stuff than the US has been getting.

[Mr_Writer85]

But the US as a whole get more support, did you know Counter Strike is STILL not on the EU store. Sly 4 was also released a month after the US, we get delays and no shows all the time.

So the grass isn't always greener

[Y_5150]

I tried out today: Diserga 3, Tekkin 6, and Demon Souls! All because of Plus I always were not interested in those games. I have to say personally out of those three, I'm liking only D3. Sorry Demon Soul fans. :(

[Enigma_2099]

Hey subby... what's your opinion of XBox Live?

[talisker]

You mean Xbox Dead?

[worldwidegaming]

Xbox has been dead to me since winter 12'
Maybe I should sell it...

[worldwidegaming]

Its great and its only going to get better.
Whatever the other guys are offering its does not beat
the discounts and freebies PlayStation plus offers.

[WeAreLegion]

It is SUPPOSED to make a profit!

The best part of this is that they make a profit and we get more games for less. It sounds too good to be true, but it works! I love PS Plus!

[Evil_Ryu]

Netflix and Playstation Plus have alot in common...a plethora of craptastic content.

[kingPoS]

I hate to break it to ya, but I'm of those who like tv shows more than movies. So...

Netflix and Playstation Plus have alot in common...a plethora of AWESOME content.
Fixed

[Evil_Ryu]

if you like C grade content, Enjoy! i for one will be enjoying myself with AAA content.

[b_one]

hmmm by your standard C grade content is still better than no content at all

[Ron_Danger]

Enjoy your content... We'll be playing games!

[Enigma_2099]

I can smell the Microsoft on your breath.

[stubee34]

Used? What a terrible article.

[Bladesfist]

I'm probably in a minority here but because of vita plus I bought a PS3. It was a great idea to include both services at one price.

[AlaaAlii]

I get about 40 PS3 games and 25 PS Vita games, online storage of game saves, automatic updates and backups when I'm asleep, and PlayStation Store discounts, all for the price of one game. Yeah, I feel so used -_-. Pfft. PlayStation Plus is probably one of the most amazing deals I have ever done in my entire life.

And PS+ is only for hardcore gamers? Yeah, because non-hardcore gamers, that maybe buy one game in two months, would think paying the price of one game and getting more than 50 games in a year is a bad deal =/. PS+ is actually pretty awesome for non-hardcore gamers. And if they don't want to play Darksiders, Batman, inFamous, Dead Space, Borderlands, Mass Effect, and Just Cause, they can play LittleBigPlanet, Motorstorm, Quantum Conundrum, The Cave and F1 Race Stars. Now excuse me while I go finish Sleeping Dogs, to get ready for Hitman: Absolution.

[CEOSteveBallmer]

Pretty Good Actually!! Aside from free games, beta's, We get free themes, Avatar. And dont forget the cloud save too. :)

[patsrule316]

Personally, I only have a Vita, and Xbox 360, and don't have a PS3. I bought a year of PS+ (it actually was during the buy a year and get 3 months extra free), just for the free vita games, because the first games I wanted when I bought the Vita were Uncharted and Wipeout, so I figured it would be worth it just for that. As it turns out, I now have a whole bunch of PS3 games, and am probably going to buy a PS3 after E3 (hoping for a price reduction around then). Even though I have been an Xbox guy for the last 10 years, I have wanted to play the God of War games, Uncharteds, Infamous, and Demon Souls (absolutely loved Dark Souls), and my son has wanted Little Big Planet. Now I own several of those (plus a whole bunch of PSN games that I had been wanting on XBLA, but was waiting for a price drop to under 8.00 that I would definitely have bought like Quantum Connundrum, Gaurdians of Middle Earth and The Cave), and if I were to get a PS3, I absolutely would have paid 20 dollars for Demon Souls. Maybe I am not the typical PS+ user because I don't have a PS3, but I already feel that I got a good deal just for the vita stuff, and if I do get a PS3, I litterally have a full collection of games several of which I would have paid for that I won't have to pay for now. I don't feel used at all.

[KingKevo]

Just curious here, but I got a question. There are games that rotate, actually most PS+ games do, so if you don't pick them up and add them to your downloadlist when they are free, you won't be able to get them later. I do not own a Vita, but since it is poosible to download Vita games to the PS3 and then copy them to the Vita I started downloading all Vita games so far and then canceled the download, so that the games were in my DL-list. How does that work for you now? It's not possible to download a PS3 game to the Vita, but is there still a way to add it to the DL-list on the Vita or does it work in the webbased online store even without having a console?

TIA

[patsrule316]

It was actually something someone was kind enough to show me early on when I signed up for PS+. In the PS Store, you can purchase the games for PS3 even if you don't download them, and they will be saved in your PS account. I can go online right now, and see the history of all of the games I own. If and when I get a PS3, I can link it to my PS3 and download them then. But everything that I have chosen to get since I signed up for PS+ is ready to download.

[Knushwood Butt]

I, like someone else mentioned, originally signed up for PS+ just for the cloud saving functionality.

Now, into my second year of subscription, I have both a PS3 and Vita. The amount of content you get is insane. The price of an annual subscription pays for itself in the first month.

The only way I can see anyone complaining about this service is if they don't actually have any interest in gaming.

[o-Sunny-o]

PS3 was the best thing I bought. PS plus was the cherry on top! ^~^

[SirBradders]

The guy who wrote this article is a twat. It just goes to show how negative people are these days even when something is positive. If you dont like a good deal dont buy it simple theres no need to write an article about it.
Companies need to make money to survive as the saying goes nothing free in life. Sony have made a blinding subscription service which yes does save you money unless theres some conspiracy that sony are controlling all the ps+ free games prices in all the shops on the planet.

[KingKevo]

The article has a very mad and negative undertone, but in the end PS+ is just a great service. I don't play or buy everything that's on sale, just the stuff I'd buy anyways, but I still easily save way more than 50€ a year. The service has many other great advantages I'm not going to detail again, but overall, if you're interested in games, you should get it.

The funny thing is that I did already safe 48€ on one purchase when I got the 1 year Music Unlimited subscription that's usually 120€ and was on sale for 60€ for normal users. 1€ per month for a ton of music to listen to LEGALLY is great. To me it shows that Sony does also care about connecting services.

Anyway, I can afford more than 3 games a year, so most of the games that I want I get on day one, but PS+ still managed to give me games I wouldn't have expected to like, including downloadable games or games I didn't wanna buy cause I thought I would have the time to play them, like Okami. But imho especially if you can't afford that many games you should get PS+, it's cheaper than a game and it gives you access to so many games of so many genres for 1 year, more than you could/would probably (be able to) buy.

[supergravity]

The amount of value PS+ delivers isn't something anybody should question, it's a ridiculous value...I think the writer might have been paying for live a little too long

[FITgamer]

If paying for PS+ is getting used, then paying for XBL must be getting sodomized with a MK 2 Lancer AR.