The PS4’s share play feature, which allows for an online local co-op experience, has a time limit for each session.
Sony announced the idea of a “virtual couch” for its Share Play feature at Gamescom, but it will work a bit differently than what some people expected. Confirming to GameSpot, Sony stated Share Play users will be limited to 60 minutes per session, but the feature can be used any number of times.
With Share Play, a PlayStation Plus member with a PS4 can share games with a friend online for both single player and multiplayer games, including local multiplayer, even if the friend doesn’t own a copy of the game.
Shuhei Yoshida, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios head, described Share Play as a “mini PlayStation Now,” Sony’s game-streaming service that will allow people to access older PlayStation games on newer consoles. Developers will not need to do anything to make their games compatible with Share Play.
“How it works is, for example, a friend has a game that I don’t,” Yoshida said. “I ask them to let me play it, and if they send me an invitation, I can access their PS4 and play while watching the video that is streamed.”
The borrower has 60 minutes to play the game before the session expires. Sony has not detailed any other possible limitations, such as whether there’s a “cool down” between sessions. Likely, the lender will need to grant access to the borrower for the next Share Play session.
Steam’s family sharing feature launched to everyone in March. Borrowers can play games from a lender’s account until the lender wants it back. Although, Steam’s sharing program has its own different downsides.
Sony will release the Version 2 system software update this fall, including Share Play. Also in the update is the ability to upload saved videos to YouTube and search for PSN users by name.
Source: GameSpot
