Sony just announced that upcoming PS4 system update 2.0 will contain Share Play. Share Play was a feature announced during the original unveiling of the PS4, but it seemed like Sony wasn’t going to ever deliver on the promise. The new mode, if it works as advertised, would revolutionize the way we think about multiplayer gaming, making it so you can join a friends session even if you don’t own the game.
With this first-of-its-kind feature, you’ll be able to play games with a friend just as if you were together in the same room.
Sony explains that “the best way to think about Share Play is like a “virtual couch”. PlayStation 4 will create an online local co-op experience by allowing you to invite a friend to join your game—even when they don’t own a copy of it. With this first-of-its-kind feature, you’ll be able to play games with a friend just as if you were together in the same room. Let’s say that with games… you’ll be able to invite your friend online to play against the Miami Heat for the championship as the San Antonio Spurs in NBA2K, tackle the challenging Towerfall Ascension Quest Mode together, or aide, heal, and protect you as Igniculus in Child of Light’s local co-op mode.”
Share Play doesn’t stop there though, it will also allow your friends to take over your controls and play the game for you. Sony gives the example of being stuck in a hard part of a game, “you can invite a friend to take over your controls. Like handing over the controller to a friend on your couch, your screen will be shared as your friend gets through the part of the game that has been giving you trouble—can’t get past that part in The Last of Us: Remastered when you’re hanging upside down? Get a little help.”
PS4 System Update 2.0 will be hitting systems this fall. It will include Share Play along with Youtube support, allowing you to broadcast or share your gameplay footage via the Youtube app. Also “What’s New will get enhanced real-time activity through friend-of-friend suggestions, allowing instant access to friends’ and recently played games’ broadcasts, and a real name search function will also be added.”
