Sony looks set to announce ‘PlayStation Plus Video Pass’

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.”

UPDATE: Sony Interactive Entertainment has confirmed PlayStation Plus Video Pass is a “test service” launching in Poland today.

The service allows PS4 and PS5 users in Poland to access over 20 movie and television shows from Sony Pictures as part of PS Plus subscriptions, with more content being added every three months.

update

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Sony confirms it’s ‘testing’ PlayStation Plus Video Pass in Poland

Polish users have access to video content from today; no news on other markets yet

ORIGINAL STORY CONTINUES: 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.

further reading

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Netflix signs streaming deal for Sony films including Uncharted and Spider-Man

Exclusive multi-year agreement also covers Morbius and Venom movies

The Uncharted movie, which was recently delayed, is the first feature film from PlayStation Productions. It’s also working on a The Last of Us adaptation with HBO, a live-action Ghost of Tsushima movie helmed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski, and a Twisted Metal TV series from Deadpool’s writers, among other projects.

Earlier this month, Sony announced a multi-year US licensing deal with Netflix, granting it exclusive rights to house Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) films following their theatrical and home entertainment release windows.