The PlayStation 4 definitely launched with a myriad of new options for players to tinker with, but there were a few key features missing from the console that owners have been requesting since then. Sony has listened, and is preparing Update 2.0, which introduces a laundry list of new features to the console.
By far the most interesting of these new additions is Share Play, a feature that allows PlayStation 4 owners to connect via the Internet and share their games. At first, it sounds like simply playing online together, but it's far more expansive: Share Play allows PlayStation Plus users to play online together, even if there's only one copy of the game.
Share Play works by allowing a PlayStation Plus member to host a game and inviting another person to join. For the most part, it won't matter if the guest has PS Plus or not - as long as the host is a member, Share Play can be used.
From there, a number of options open up. If the game doesn't support multiplayer, the host can give control to the guest with the press of a button. Sharing doesn't require any sort of downloads or updates on the guest's end, everything is controlled through the host's console. This means that switching between players is seamless, and playing together doesn't require multiple lengthy downloads. In a sense, it's just like handing the controller to a buddy sitting on the couch, except now, the buddy can be anywhere.
If both players are PS Plus members and the game supports multiplayer, the guest can basically act as a second controller. The host takes over as Player 1, while the guest is Player 2, and the multiplayer game can start. Again, it doesn't require any downloads whatsoever; all of the game's data is stored on the host's PlayStation 4. Again, it's just like having a friend on the couch; Share Play simply takes distance out of the equation.
In a way, Share Play can act as sort of a universal demo system. Playable demos are tough to create, and take development time away from studios. With Share Play, there's no need for a standalone demo: a friend can simply join up with a PS Plus member and test out the game. It could end up being a great tool to gauge whether or not a game is worth purchasing, or just a way for friends to play together without requiring an extra purchase.
The video above doesn't make mention of it, but there are certain time restrictions while using Share Play. Sessions are limited to 60 minutes apiece, though Sony has confirmed that there is no limit to the number of sessions a group can play. It makes sense on paper, but if it means players are simply booted to a menu screen once time is up, it could really have an impact on multiplayer matches. The limit itself is strange, though it's likely due more to Internet restrictions than any choice on Sony's part.
While the feature has been demoed on a small scale, it'll be interesting to see how well Share Play holds up when Update 2.0 goes live. Streaming games takes up a massive amount of bandwidth, and it's yet to be seen how stable the service is when thousands of people are using it at once. Sony has had success with streaming so far, and with any luck, Share Play will fare just as well as the PlayStation 4's other services.
Update 2.0 makes some pretty big changes to the PlayStation 4. In addition to Share Play, the update finally adds some oft-requested features to the system...better late than never!
The PlayStation 4 Update 2.0 goes live on Oct. 28.
