The lights are on
Both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 offer paid subscription services, and that trend is going to continue with the next generation. PlayStation 4 will require PlayStation Plus for multiplayer gaming, and Xbox One will require a Gold subscription to access multiplayer and streaming capabilities. Recent years have seen the inclusion of free games for subscribers (including the recently-announced Shadow of the Colossus offering for PS+), which have been a nice bonus for those looking to extend their backlog. If you subscribe to one or both of these console services, do you feel like you're getting your money's worth?
Perhaps you're satisfied with a yearly fee in exchange for Instant Game Collection or Games With Gold. Maybe you're upset about Sony and Microsoft locking online gaming behind a paywall. We'd like to hear what you think, so sound off in the comments below.
I purchased an annual subscription for PS+ right after I purchased my Vita in February. I love PS+. I have so many games to play for "free" on my PS3 AND Vita. It's great because if you don't like the game, it's not a big deal. You just delete from your HD but it's cool because you still have access to it as long as you keep your subscription.
Xbox Live Gold has too many negative practices for me. I hate that EVERYTHING is behind the paywall. You need the Gold membership to access things you already pay for like Netflix (really? wtf!) and to unlock the multiplayer portions of games you already paid $60 for (really again?!). Because of these practices I just can't get behind XBox at all. They've been nickeling & diming ppl for almost an entire decade with the X360 and then ppl were crazy up-in-arms at the XB1 announcements... Naive much?
I used my Xbox 360 more than enough to feel like I get my money's worth just from multiplayer. The free games and other bonuses are just icing on the cake.
I don't pay for multiplayer subs. PC is more upgradeable, has better graphics, and more variety for control (keyboard/mouse , gamepads). If they could get games out on PC at the same time they release on consoles, there would be little reason to get a console.
I have had my ps plus for 2 years now and I enjoy it more then the xbox gold. I have got lots of free games to play not to mention you can get discounts on some games too with the ps +. I think $60 a year is a fair price for both.
I like the idea of playstation plus, but it's definitely not for me. PLaystation plus is for people who can play games a lot. The problem is that it alienates players who like to play their games a couple months after they beat it because you have to keep paying to play the games. Also, I don't always have time for gaming, so I might not play a game with several weeks in between, making playstation plus a waste of money.
I don't play online, but I have PS+ for the free games and great deals. It's only $50 a year, which is basically nothing.
$50 a year is worth it if it makes the experience smooth and ps+ is out doing Microsoft *** in the free game category. I have both consoles, but only Xbox live. Online play is great, the offerings of free games suck. I can't lie though, I've bought many great games and add ons at a discount.
I just really don't like that I have to pay for online even if I just want to use Netflix or Amazon instant video. I get why you need it for online multi but blocking some of the more basic services to me seems cheap.
ps+ forever...that is all...
I've always been upset with multiplayer being locked behind the paywall with the 360. But it always did seem to offer better online experiences compared to the PS3. However, after some time with PS+ I can say that for me it blows Microsoft's service out of the water. The selection of games you can get for free and the fantastic discounts give much better value to PS+ than Xbox Live has ever offered. For Xbox I never felt like I was receiving much for the money I put down, It was just unlocking features that were on the disc that I already purchased. So, while it is upsetting that the multiplayer is going to continue to be held hostage, it's much better getting some great bonuses (discounts, free games).
Yeah. I get free games, get to talk to friends and have fun inviting jerks to the parties so I can hear 'em rage before I mute them.
I've been a pretty huge supporter of msoft my whole life, and live was worth paying for until this year, when PS+ started being so vastly superior.
I am definitely happy paying for my PS+ subscription.
The new PS+ for the PS4 seems to be looking like the better alternative to Live and with their monthly free games and awesome discounts, they definitely win it for me. The free monthly Live games are just not that great.
I loved PS+ back when I had it. I need to get around to getting it again, this time for a full year.