PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus 

is a paid PlayStation Network subscription service that provides users with access to premium features. These extras include the ability to have game patches and system software updates download automatically to the console, early or exclusive access to some betas and demos, full game trials, and regular store discounts. Other bonuses are also made available. As part of the subscription, members are given six games every month—typically two for each platform—and 3 GB of internet storage space for up to 1,000 saved game files. Users may choose a monthly, three-month or annual subscription. In 2013, Sony announced that PlayStation 4 online multiplayer will require a subscription to PlayStation Plus.

Instant Game Collectio 

Membership in the PlayStation Plus service includes access to a rolling selection of games. New titles are made available every month, while older games are withdrawn from the collection. Members can keep all of the games in the collection as long as they are a member of PlayStation Plus. If their membership lapses, the games will become locked and unplayable. However, once the membership is renewed, the games will become unlocked again. The longer a user is a member, the larger their game collection will become. In 2014, PlayStation Plus provided more than $1,300 worth of games in the Instant Game Collection, while competing service Xbox Live provided $584 worth of games.