Digital downloads for PS4 games

We’ve all had a few days to digest the news that Sony’s Playstation 4 will be here before the year is up, but more details continue to surface about the console.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Sony Computer Entertainment President Shuhei Yoshida said that in the next-generation they’ll be following a release model similar to the one currently being used by the PS Vita.

“We’re shifting our platform more and more to the digital side – PS4 will be similar to PS Vita in that every game will be available as a digital download, and some will also be available as a disc,” he said.

Another feature likely to be included is a subscription-based streaming service, much like Netflix of Hulu Plus, but for gaming.

“As more and more services and contents become available digitally, we’ll have more of an option to create attractive packages," Yoshida said.

"So hypothetically we can look at different models – like a cable TV company.”

This would most likely incorporate Sony’s newly acquired Gaikai technology, which Yoshida says would be used to have premium memberships available.

“We could have gold, silver or platinum levels of membership, something like that," he said.

"We can do subscription services when we have more content – especially now that we have the Gaikai technology available.”

It’s a logical step and an expected one, but I’m not sure how popular it will be – cloud-based gaming is such a new thing for most people that it remains to be seen how successful it will be.

What do you guys think? Is Sony onto a winner, or will Gaikai ultimately be a dud?