What is PlayStation Plus?
PlayStation Plus is the subscription service that enables you to play your favourite games with other players online. A PlayStation Plus account is required to take part in any multiplayer offering.
PlayStation Plus members get access to discounts on the PlayStation store, where games can be bought digitally and downloaded to your console’s hard drive.
PlayStation Plus members also get a selection of games to download for free every month.
Can I keep my PlayStation Plus games if I cancel my membership?
No. Games that were downloaded during a membership that has since been discontinued will be inaccessible.
Can I play games without a PlayStation Plus membership?
Single-player, story-driven games like Red Dead Redemption 2 will be accessible without a PlayStation Plus account. But to access online features, like Red Dead Redemption Online, you’ll need to pay the subscription fee.
Image credit: Rockstargames.com
How much does PlayStation Plus cost?
A 3-month PlayStation Plus subscription costs £19.99. A 12-month PlayStation Plus subscription costs £49.99.*
What is Xbox Live?
Xbox Live is Microsoft’s online gaming platform and enables you to play online with other players, provided you’re a Gold member.
What is Xbox Live Gold?
Xbox Live Gold is the paid membership service that enables you to play your favourite games online.
What is Xbox Live Silver?
Xbox Live Silver no longer exists. Everyone who owns an Xbox and creates an account starts off with a ‘Silver’ (free) account. You’ll need to upgrade your account to Gold if you want to play games online (against other people, for instance, or with friends over an internet connection.)
How much does Xbox Live Gold cost?
A 3-month Xbox Live Gold subscription costs £14.99 while a 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscription costs £39.99.*
What is Xbox Games With Gold?
Xbox Games with Gold enables you to download free games every month if you have an Xbox Live Gold membership.
Can I keep Games With Gold titles forever?
As long as you remain an Xbox Gold subscriber, the games will work. However, if you cancel your subscription, the games you downloaded will no longer play.
Image credit: Ubisoft.com
As an aside, Games With Gold also includes Xbox 360 games that work beautifully on the Xbox One. Two classic titles – Dante’s Inferno and Assassin’s Creed (yes, the original Assassin’s Creed) – are just two examples of recent additions to the platform.
*Prices accurate as of 9/1/2019
