Sony’s Brings The Pain, Will Raise PlayStation Plus Pricing Across Europe
Summer is almost over, and to add insult to injury, Sony is getting ready to hike prices in the U.K. for its PlayStation Plus subscription service. The new prices will go into effect September 1, though if you pony up for an annual subscription, you'll be immune to the higher rates -- it's the single month and three-month subscriptions that are going up.
Though Sony didn't come right out and say it, we suspect this move is intended to encourage yearly subscriptions.
"We are dedicated to bringing PlayStation Plus members the best possible service with the most compelling content," Sony said in a statement. "From 1st September 2015 we will be increasing the price of monthly and three month PlayStation Plus subscriptions in line with market conditions. We will continue to invest in PS Plus to ensure an unparalleled experience, featuring the best quality games and features."
What exactly are "market conditions," you ask? Sony didn't say, though several sites are reporting that the monthly subscription fee will rise from £5.49 to £5.99, while the three-month rate will go from £11.99 to £14.99. The annual rate will remain at £39.99.
That pricing brings PlayStation Plus in line with Microsoft's Xbox Live Gold service, which costs the same in the U.K. for single month, triple month, and annual subscriptions.
Sony didn't say if it plans on increasing the price in other territories, including the U.S., where it costs $9.99 per month, $17.99 for three months, or $49.99 for 12 months (a free 14-day trial is available to new members).
Though Sony didn't come right out and say it, we suspect this move is intended to encourage yearly subscriptions.
"We are dedicated to bringing PlayStation Plus members the best possible service with the most compelling content," Sony said in a statement. "From 1st September 2015 we will be increasing the price of monthly and three month PlayStation Plus subscriptions in line with market conditions. We will continue to invest in PS Plus to ensure an unparalleled experience, featuring the best quality games and features."
What exactly are "market conditions," you ask? Sony didn't say, though several sites are reporting that the monthly subscription fee will rise from £5.49 to £5.99, while the three-month rate will go from £11.99 to £14.99. The annual rate will remain at £39.99.
That pricing brings PlayStation Plus in line with Microsoft's Xbox Live Gold service, which costs the same in the U.K. for single month, triple month, and annual subscriptions.
Sony didn't say if it plans on increasing the price in other territories, including the U.S., where it costs $9.99 per month, $17.99 for three months, or $49.99 for 12 months (a free 14-day trial is available to new members).
