PS4: physical releases to have digital option, possibility of game “packages” in the future – Yoshida

By Stephany Nunneley

Sony is shifting its platform “more and more” to the digital side of things, according to worldwide studios president Shuhei Yoshida. So much so, that every physical game released for PS4 will also be available as a digital download.

Speaking with The Guardian, Yoshida also explained that as more services are made available on the new console, Sony will have more options available to create “attractive packages”, some of which may involve a subscription at some point in the future.

“We’re shifting our platform more and more to the digital side – PS4 will be similar to PS Vita in that every game will be available as a digital download, and some will also be available as a disc,” he said. “Because of the flexibility of the digital distribution scheme, we can have more small games that might be free or available for a couple of dollars, or different services like free-to-play or subscription models.

“As more and more services and contents become available digitally, we’ll have more of an option to create attractive packages. So hypothetically we can look at different models – like a cable TV company. We could have gold, silver or platinum levels of membership, something like that. We can do subscription services when we have more content – especially now that we have the Gaikai technology available.

“With one subscription you have access to thousands of games – that’s our dream.”

Following the PS4 event, VG247 spoke with UK managing director Fergal Gara who said it was still “too early” to talk about the monetization of Gaikai.

“Of course, there is an economic model, or idea we have in place, or at least something to work with but we still aren’t close to the final stage in that and not able to provide any details. But we will, all in good time.”

PS4 should be sitting on your local store shelf in time for Santa.

Thanks: Dark, SplatterHouse.