When the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One were first announced, the ability to share physical copies of games was rumored to be in jeopardy. This caused an uproar from the gaming community and eventually forced Microsoft to rethink its strategy on digital rights management on its next-gen console. Sony reaped the benefits of the PR backlash by gleefully rubbing Microsoft’s nose in the mess it had made, but until now, there has been no word on how (or if) digital copies of games can be shared with friends and family on Sony’s own console. Now, just over two weeks from release, Sony has posted a PlayStation 4 FAQ online that details exactly how digital game sharing will work.
When you buy a PlayStation 4, you can name that console as your primary system. Friends and family who use the console can play any of the games you have downloaded from the PlayStation Store, regardless of whether they have logged into your account. If you have an active PlayStation Plus account, other users are also able to play online, even without their own subscription to the premium service.
As for “secondary” consoles (any consoles that are not registered as your primary PS4), you must be logged into the PlayStation Network on your own account to download or play games you have previously purchased. Up to two systems can be logged into your account simultaneously as well, and there is no limit to the number of systems you can use.
