Jack Tretton made a big splash at E3 when he revealed that PlayStation Plus members will get free access to a beta version of Driveclub when the PlayStation 4 launches later this year. In a classic “too good to be true” moment, we are now hearing that the Plus version is not exactly the same as the full priced game.
Speaking during an E3 Q&A session transcribed by PlayStationer, Evolution Studios revealed that the PlayStation Plus version of Driveclub is “exactly” the same as full version, except for the fact that it is missing a “few assets.”
“Yes, the PS Plus version will be the exact same as the full version, except that it may be missing a few assets such as cars or tracks, that will be found in the full version. However the online multiplayer, the asynchronous challenges and the single player campaign will all be present in the PS Plus version. The PS Plus version gives us to the biggest open community, day one. This game is all about socialising…”
“[PS Plus members] can buy any/all of the content that you want. You could download the PS Plus version and then decide that you want to convert this to the full digital version, then you can pay a sum of money and everything else will be delivered to you.”
From one perspective, this is still a pretty good deal because PlayStation Plus members get access to the bulk of Driveclub for free with their subscription. On the other hand, this is walking a fine line of being nothing more than a free demo with the option to buy — which is not exactly in line with the current spirit of PS Plus.
Hopefully, Driveclub is a one time deal and not an indication of what PlayStation Plus will change into with the launch of the PlayStation 4. I’m rather fond of how the service operates now, and would much less enthusiastic about it if it turns into a “try it before you by it” type of thing.