With the current console generation winding down and each console manufacturer focusing on the future, Sony's got a lot of options for the PS5. It can add complete backward compatibility with all previous Sony consoles, expanded online interactivity, or forgo discs completely and make an all-digital platform. The one thing it should change, though, is PlayStation Plus.
As a premium membership introduced in 2010, the program initially launched as a way for PS3 fans to get more out of their online experience. It was overhauled a few years later during E3 2012 and rebranded its free game selection as the "Instant Game Collection." Instead of including free PS1 games, Sony was making a huge push to give out PS3 titles and some new releases to incentivize users to sign-up. It did a lot in turning the favors of the PS3 around before the PS4's launch.
PlayStation Plus For PS4 And Its Issues
Then came Sony's next console and it changed PlayStation Plus yet again. Instead of simply being an extra service one could opt into, it would become a required purchase if one wanted to play online multiplayer. Seemingly taking inspiration from Microsoft's Xbox Live service, users making the jump to next-generation now had to factor in an additional cost if they intended to spend time online.
While the service has worked out well for Sony, there's been one nagging complaint ever since it came to PS4: why are all the free games so lackluster? There are certain months when Sony knocks it out of the park, but the past few years have been exceptionally lacking in terms of quality titles. It's also incredibly scummy how PS3 and PS Vita games were dropped at the start of 2019. For the same cost, paying customers are now getting less for their money.
Changing PlayStation Plus For PS5
How incredible would it be to see Sony drop the PlayStation Plus requirement for PS5? Instead of holding online privileges hostage, Sony could get a huge leg up on the competition by returning to the realm of free online multiplayer. While that wouldn't immediately fix the issues with Plus, it would get more people jumping onto Sony's hardware.
From there, the company could then overhaul Plus to make it far more enticing to users. It could up the count of PS4 games to three and bring three PS5 games alongside them. It could then make one game a triple-A title (whether new release or past game), one a brand new indie, and another a classic remaster (such as the Crash Bandicoot N' Sane Trilogy or even MediEvil).
If complete backward compatibility isn't feasible with PS5 hardware, it should add in a limited subscription to the PlayStation Now service with Plus' fee. Users can then supplement their PS3 libraries with digital access to games they may already own. It might even be cool to allow usage of PS3 discs, though that might come off as locking essential functionality behind a paywall.
Other Features That Can Be Added
Similar to how Nintendo has provided free, original games with its service, Sony should also be looking at creating new experiences that Plus users can nab for free. Why not craft a new Twisted Metal and make it a Plus exclusive? If that's too much, return to the idea of giving out PS1 classics with a sub. There's a lot that Sony can do with its back catalog here.
More importantly, though, Sony needs to do something special to build momentum for the PS5. With current figures putting Plus subscribers at about 36.9 million, that's not even half of the PS4 user base that has a paid membership. Thirty-six million is nothing to scoff at, but that number could rise dramatically if the incentives were honestly good.
Locking something like online play behind a fee is never a good sign. Since users tend to be more interested in services that give them games instead of online play, it would be prudent of Sony to focus more on that aspect for the PS5. If nothing else, changing Plus will certainly get people excited for next-generation.