SONY: PS Plus carries over for PS4 but introduces multiplayer charge

PlayStation Plus users will be able to continue using their account when they pick up a PS4.

Sony’s premium service already offers access to a range of content through PS3, PSP and Vita – no matter if gamers own one, two or all three of these platforms – and PS4 will be added seamlessly to the mix.

This means PS4 owners will be able to use the Instant Games Collection, which will include a special PS Plus edition of PS4 launch title DriveClub, allowing them to download the racer free of charge as long as they are subscribed.

The only change is that multiplayer gaming will no longer be free. PS4 owners will need a PS Plus account before they can go online, just as Xbox 360 owners do with Xbox Live Gold. Sony stressed that single-player games can still be played for free.

SCEA boss Jack Tretton said the platform holder is "keen to expand the benefits" of PlayStation Plus, and claimed membership for the service has risen 144 per cent.