PS4 News: Sony Explains PlayStation Plus Rules for Games Before Release Date

In anticipation of the PlayStation 4's Nov. 15 launch, Sony has prepared a massive FAQ on the PlayStation Blog.

The FAQ covers many topics, but some of the most interesting subjects are online multiplayer and PlayStation Plus. While players will need the premium service to access the online portion of their games, Sony has revealed there are some ways around this requirement.

First off, Sony explained that certain free-to-play games on the PS4 will not need PlayStation Plus in order to play online, including several launch titles:

"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," explains Sony's FAQ page. 

In addition, if one user has PlayStation Plus and is the primary user for the console, every user on the console will be able to access PlayStation Plus features:

"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)."

Sony also revealed that the Instant Game Collection will continue on the PlayStation 4, and that the very first titles that will be able for free on the console when it is launched:

"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."

It will be interesting to see how many PlayStation 4 users will switch to PlayStation Plus when the console comes out. After all, players may decide to wait to make the switch until there are more online multiplayer games exclusive to the console, as they could play the PlayStation 3 version of the game online for free.