Sony, there's no need for another streaming service. Instead, focus on improving PlayStation Now.
Letters from the Game Cosmos:
Man, I'm totally burned out with all these new streaming services hitting the scene. Sony's latest move? Testing a video streaming service for their PlayStation Plus subscribers in Poland that's rumored to contain Sony Pictures-produced films and TV shows.
According to Spider's Web, this service is called the PlayStation Plus Video Pass, and it's set to launch in conjunction with Sony Pictures Entertainment in Poland. It's going to be available for both PS4 and PS5 consoles. But let's take a step back – is there really a need for another streaming service?
PlayStation is supposedly launching this pilot in Poland because the country has a large PlayStation player-base who are active on the network and social media, and who presumably use video-on-demand services. However, these films and shows can already be found on services like Amazon Prime Video – so what's the point?
The truth is, Sony's late to the game on this one. The company recently reversed its decision to shut down its PS3 and PS Vita stores, but it officially shut down Vue, its streaming television service, back in January 2020. I mean, come on! Instead of focusing on another streaming video service, Sony should have been working on making its cloud gaming service, PlayStation Now, more exciting and flawless.
When it comes to cloud gaming, Sony has some catching up to do. Microsoft and Nvidia have been on the ball, making gaming possible on any device with a good internet connection. Sony, on the other hand, still lags behind and should prioritize making its exclusive games available through PS Now at launch, instead of testing yet another streaming service.
PS Now isn't without its flaws either – it lags behind other cloud gaming services, its PC app interface is slow and clunky, and it's only available on Windows PC and requires a PS4 controller. But at least now, PS Now is finally getting support for streaming 1080p-capable games, which is long overdue for a cloud gaming service that's been around for years.
Some might argue that the PlayStation Plus Video Pass has a niche appeal with its integration into PlayStation consoles and exclusive content. But let's be honest, the streaming market is already saturated with major players like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. With so much competition and potential overlap in content, the PlayStation Plus Video Pass faces an uphill battle in establishing itself as a standalone streaming service.
Overall, the PlayStation Plus Video Pass can be questioned due to the current market saturation and potential overlap in content. While the service might attract a niche audience focused on gaming and PlayStation exclusive content, its success will ultimately depend on its ability to offer unique content, ensure seamless integration with gaming consoles, and maintain a strong brand appeal among its user base. Until then, I'll stick to my Netflix and chill.
- The future of tech appears to be focused on streaming services, with Sony planning to launch the PlayStation Plus Video Pass, a service rumored to offer Sony Pictures-produced films and TV shows, in the tech ecosystem of Poland.
- Despite the potential niche appeal of the PlayStation Plus Video Pass, its success in the overly saturated streaming market may be questionable, especially with major players like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ already established.
- Instead of focusing on another streaming service, tech giant Sony might have benefited more from enhancing its cloud gaming service, PlayStation Now, to match the flawless standards set by competitors like Microsoft and Nvidia.
- True innovation is needed to ensure the PlayStation Plus Video Pass can establish itself as a standalone streaming service, offering unique content, seamless integration with gaming consoles, and strong brand appeal among its user base.
