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Last week, Sony Online Entertainment announced that PC favorites DC Universe Online and PlanetSide 2 would be heading to the PS4 at launch.
at launch. And shortly after that Warframe (a non-SOE release) was added to the PS4slate.
However, Sony’s announcement failed to mention any additional, PS4-unique features that might warrant a jump from the PC (or in DCUO‘s case the PS3) to the PS4. Luckily, SOE was on hand at E3 2013to presumably help us better understand why gamers should keep an eye out for the PS4 version.
As it turns out, though, these PS4 ports will be almost direct replicas of their PC versions. In fact, in DCUO ‘s case, the PS4 version is more or less the PC version. That means no additional features unfortunately, just crisper visuals. SOE had both the PS3 and PS4 versions side by side to show how much of a graphical jump they can make from one console to the next.
For PlanetSide 2 , we learned even less about the eventual PS4 port, as the PC version was the only version on hand. Yes, the game looks great on the PC, but we are still practically clueless as to how that game might benefit from the PS4 hardware.
All in all, what SOE had on display didn’t do much to help us better understand what will make the forthcoming PS4 versions of DCUO and PlanetSide 2 worth checking out. There was some hinting that a DCUO sequel might be in the cards if the PS4 version takes off, but even that is up in the air. Additionally, SOE couldn’t promise that DCUO would make use of all of the PS4’s new features — specifically, Vitastreaming and game recording.
It wasn’t all non-news out of SOE, though; we actually learned something pretty important about the PS4 in regards to how it will support free-to-play games. It’s not an across the board proclamation, but both as of right now it appears PlayStation Pluswill not be required for any free-to-play titles.
While Sony has confirmed PS Plus subscriptions are required for online multiplayer, that does not apply where free-to-play games are concerned. In other words, PS Plus isn’t the gatekeeper when it comes to every online experienece.
We expect that DCUO , Warframe , and PlanetSide 2 are but the first in what could be a long line of free-to-play releases for the PS4, especially since those games will remain well and truly “free to play.” So, while gamers mull over what launch titles to pick up, they will have at least three games to play for free.
Are you happy to learn Sony will not require PS Plus where free-to-play PS4 games are concerned? Do you think this could be a sign that the PSN might be less restrictive than Xbox Live even in the next-gen?