Though Shuhei Yoshida has touched on it briefly, Sony has fully detailed exactly how digital sharing works on the PlayStation 4 through a new FAQ over on their website.
When it comes to the same PS4 system, games you download can be played by any users who share your PS4 system, such as family and friends. If you happen to subscribe to PlayStation Plus (which is highly recommended), those other users on your PS4 will be able to enjoy the PS+ features, such as online multiplayer. You do not have to log in to the system for the other users to play these games or to take advantage of the other benefits:
Looking at playing your games on other PS4 systems, those you’ve bought can be downloaded and played on any PS4 if you sign in to the PSN. There’s no limit on the number of systems you can use (see below for info on using 2 PS4s at the same time), but only you can start games that you download. As well, if you log in to another PS4 system and you’re subscribed to PlayStation Plus, you can use the PS+ benefits:
If you activate one PS4 as your “primary system” (one allowed per account), you receive access to the following features:
- Being able to play on 2 PS4s at the same time (your ‘primary’ one, and one other PS4)
- Anyone who uses your PS4 can play your games and apps purchased from the PlayStation Store
- Anyone who uses your PS4 can take advantage of the benefits of PlayStation Plus (as long as you’re subscribed)
- You can buy or pre-order content on the PlayStation App and have the content downloaded automatically to your PS4
- You can connect to the PS4 from a PS Vita via the internet using Remote Play
Sony also says of the primary PS4 system:
You can deactivate a PS4 system only with that system. If you want to activate a different system that is not at your home as your primary PS4 system, you must deactivate the current primary system first. Also deactivate your PS4 system if you plan to transfer or dispose of it.
As for how physical game sharing works, this video explains it quite nicely:
Do you plan on buying 2 PS4s? Let us know in the comments below.
