Sony Justifies August’s Controversial PlayStation Plus Price Hike: “Market Conditions”
In August, Sony stirred up controversy when it announced a significant increase in PlayStation Plus prices. The base subscription fee went from $59.99 per year to $79.99, while the highest tier, PlayStation Plus Premium, jumped from $119.99 to $159.99.
Sony’s Justification for Price Increase
Two months after the hike, PlayStation Senior Vice President Eric Lempel spoke with GameSpot about the reasons behind the price increase.
“We want to make PlayStation Plus great,”
Lempel explained. “With our reboot last year and introducing the tier system, a lot of consumers have recognized that there’s a lot of value in PlayStation 5.”
Adjusting to Market Conditions
“Like practically everything else in the world, we have to look at our pricing and we have to adjust to market conditions,”
Lempel continued. “I’m happy to say, unlike a lot of other subscription services out there, we haven’t touched the PlayStation Plus pricing for 85% of the world in many years. So, this was the first time we did something there.”
Promise of High-Quality Games and Value Added Benefits
When announcing the price increase for PlayStation Plus, Sony promised to “continue bringing high-quality games and value-added benefits to your PlayStation Plus subscription service.”
Sony’s Justification for the Price Increase
In an interview with Game Informer, PlayStation senior vice president Eric Lempel attempted to justify the price increase, blaming it on “market conditions.”
Improving PlayStation Plus
“We want to make PlayStation Plus great,”
Lempel said. “With our reboot last year and introducing the tier system, a lot of consumers have recognized that there’s a lot of value in PlayStation 5.
Adjusting to Market Conditions
“Like practically everything else in the world, we have to look at our pricing and we have to adjust to market conditions.
Offering Value with PlayStation Plus
“I’m happy to say, unlike a lot of other subscription services out there, we haven’t touched the PlayStation Plus pricing for 85% of the world in many years. So, this was the first time we did something there.
Sony Defends PlayStation Plus Price Increase: “We Want to Make it Great”
In August, Sony announced a price increase for its PlayStation Plus subscription service. The base subscription went up from $59.99 per year to $79.99, while the highest tier, PlayStation Plus Premium, rose from $119.99 to $159.99.
Unpopular Decision
The price increase wasn’t met with enthusiasm from PlayStation owners. Almost two months after the increase, Sony’s senior vice president, Eric Lempel, spoke to about justifying the price hike.
“Making PlayStation Plus Great”
“We want to make PlayStation Plus great,”
Lempel said. “With our reboot last year and introducing the tier system, a lot of consumers have recognized that there’s a lot of value in PlayStation 5.
“Adjusting to Market Conditions”
“Like practically everything else in the world, we have to look at our pricing and we have to adjust to market conditions. I’m happy to say, unlike a lot of other subscription services out there, we haven’t touched the PlayStation Plus pricing for 85% of the world in many years. So, this was the first time we did something there.
Sony Justifies PlayStation Plus Price Increase: “Market Conditions”
In August 2022, Sony made an announcement that left PlayStation owners displeased – a significant increase in the prices of its PlayStation Plus subscriptions. Starting in September, the base subscription went from $59.99 to $79.99, while the highest tier, PlayStation Plus Premium, rose from $119.99 to $159.99.
Reaction to the Price Increase
The response from PlayStation community was far from positive, and two months later, Sony is still trying to defend the decision. In an interview with GamesRadar+, PlayStation senior vice president Eric Lempel attempted to explain the price hike.
“Making PlayStation Plus Great”
“We want to make PlayStation Plus great,” Lempel stated. “With our reboot last year and introducing the tier system, a lot of consumers have recognized that there’s a lot of value in PlayStation 5.”
“Market Conditions”
“Like practically everything else in the world, we have to look at our pricing and we have to adjust to market conditions,” he added. “I’m happy to say, unlike a lot of other subscription services out there, we haven’t touched the PlayStation Plus pricing for 85% of the world in many years. So, this was the first time we did something there.”
Price Increase for PlayStation Plus: Justifying Market Adjustments
In August, Sony made the announcement that the prices for its PlayStation Plus subscription service would see a significant increase. The base subscription jumped from $59.99 per year to $79.99, while the highest tier, PlayStation Plus Premium, rose from $119.99 to $159.99.
PlayStation Senior Vice President Eric Lempel Defends Price Increase
Shortly after the announcement, the price increase did not sit well with PlayStation owners. Nearly two months later, Sony’s senior vice president Eric Lempel tried to defend the price hike in an interview with GameInformer. He attempted to justify the increase by referencing “market conditions.”
“Making PlayStation Plus Great” with Market Conditions
“We want to make PlayStation Plus great,” Lempel said. “With our reboot last year and introducing the tier system, a lot of consumers have recognized that there’s a lot of value in PlayStation 5.”
“Adjusting to Market Conditions”
“Like practically everything else in the world, we have to look at our pricing and we have to adjust to market conditions.
“Value-Added Benefits”
Sony’s promise: “We want to continue bringing high-quality games and value-added benefits to your PlayStation Plus subscription service.”
“Curated Catalog of Games”
Lempel: “It comes down to what you’re getting in the service in terms of the type and quality of games. We feel we’re offering a great curated catalog of games, as well as other features and services with PlayStation Plus.”
“Three Tiers to Engage”
Lempel: “We give you the options with the three tiers to engage as much or as little as you want, depending on what you’d like to do.”
Sony Justifies PlayStation Plus Price Increase: “Market Conditions”
In an interview with Game Informer, Sony’s Senior Vice President, Eric Lempel, attempted to justify the recent price increase for PlayStation Plus. The subscription service saw a rise in prices, with the base subscription jumping from $59.99 per year to $79.99 and PlayStation Plus Premium going up from $119.99 to $159.99.
