Sony could be set to roll movie content into PlayStation Plus subscriptions, according to images briefly uploaded to its website on Wednesday.

A logo for ‘PlayStation Plus Video Pass’ was published on Sony’s official website today, along with the following description on its Polish website (now removed):

“A new benefit available for a limited time on PlayStation Plus… PS Plus Video Pass is a trial service active 22.04.21 – 22.04.22. The subscription benefit is available to PS Plus users in Poland.”

It’s not clear if the listing is describing a global or local service, but we’ve requested clarification from Sony Interactive Entertainment.



Last month, Sony announced that the PlayStation Store would stop offering TV and movie content for purchase or rental later this year.

From August 31, 2021, video content will no longer be available via the digital storefront, the company said. However, existing purchases will still be available to access.

It could be that the platform holder is looking to increase the value of its paid subscription service, in the midst of strong competition from Xbox Game Pass, by rolling some video offerings into PS Plus.

Crucially, the three movies featured in PlayStation.com’s now-removed website banner – Venom, Bloodshot and Zombieland – are all produced by Sony’s own movie business.

Sony also owns a significant amount of television content through Sony Pictures Television, and anime content through Funimation.

A large number of streaming services are currently available on PS4 and PS5, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV and more.

Recently PlayStation launched initiatives that could be viewed as moves to counter the popularity of Game Pass.

With the launch of PlayStation 5, Sony debuted the PlayStation Plus Collection, a library of 20 PS4 games which PlayStation Plus subscribers can play on PS5.

Asked in November if there were plans to grow the collection, which currently consists of 10 first-party games and 10 third-party ones, Ryan told GQ Sony is taking a wait and see approach.

Sony slashed PlayStation Now prices in October 2019 in a bid to be more competitive with rival streaming services and also began adding “blockbuster” games each month, which are available for a limited time.

And earlier this month it was claimed that SIE was working on “a counterpunch” to Microsoft’s popular Xbox Game Pass service.

Sony is making significant efforts to amalgamate its video game and movie offerings. PlayStation Productions was formed in 2019 by Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt its original game properties for film and TV.



Posted: Apr 23, 2021 8:12 am
Related Forum: PlayStation Forum

Source: https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-looks-set-to-announce-playstation-plus-video-pass/