Coming later this month, Sony is offering users the chance to access exclusive content via a new online service called PlayStation Plus. This won’t affect your current account and everything that is free now will remain so. "For those customers who want to further enrich their experience, we've created a subscription package that will live on top of the currently available PlayStation Network offerings," says Jack Tretton, Sony Computer Entertainment America President and CEO.
A years subscription will set you back $49.99 or £39.99, or if you’re only looking for three months that will cost you $17.99 or £11.99.
PlayStation Plus will give you access to select demos and betas before anyone else, discounted PlayStation Store prices, at least four free games each month, automatic patching services, and premium avatars and themes. Sony has decided to give all its users the first three months free of charge as an extra incentive if they sign-up early enough, and within the first month you’ll receive Wipeout HD, a demo for inFamous, Fieldrunners, Age of Zombies, Rallycross and a handful of themes and avatars. The catch is you’ll lose access to the majority of the content after that period unless you renew your subscription.
The European start date has been confirmed as June 29.
Craig Bryan, NoobFeed
I'll consider signing up. It sounds like a good deal.