PlayStation firmware 2.0 [released on 28th Oct 2014] has unlocked the ability for sharing of playable PS4 game streams via internet, enabling everyone with PS4 to enter a new era of sharing videogame experiences. Share Play is built on the foundation of already present Remote Play [https://www.youtube.com/v/LLXYf4bUC80]short hand’s on video[/url], http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=683245]GAF official thread[/url]] in which users PS4 becomes a local streaming server that can send live interactive gameplay video to the Vita or VitaTV both inside home WiFi network and over the Internet [if the infrastructure is good enough]. Internet is full of great impressions of Remote Play working well both in home and via Internet, even if the “server PS4” is located very far away.
Share Play expands on the Remote Play functionality by allowing sharing between two PS4 consoles with better account management solution [RP was limited to PS4 and Vita that were logged in in a SAME account]. PS4 games can now be shared to anyone who has PS4, all games except those that require camera are supported [same as with RP], up to 2 players can join one SharePlay session, and sharing is done in 3 modes utilizing new command that is placed in the menu that is activated by pressing SHARE BUTTON on DualShock 4 controller during play. Similar as with broadcasting your gameplay to Twitch/Ustream, only gameplay will be shown [OS windows will be blocked].
Official videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aze6aI3lQOo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocJeVjGIFfY
SHARE PLAY is like having a friend sitting next to you on the couch, except here you are doing it virtually. You can use it in 3 modes:
Share Screen
- Activated as soon you invite someone in your Share Play session.
- Share your screen with a friend, allowing them to spectate you gameplay in real-time, without the lag that is present with other broadcast services such as Twitch. This is ideal for PS4 owners that want to watch their friends play a game and provide helpful tips.
- PlayStation Plus is not required to use this.
Hand over my controller
- Activated as soon you virtually give your controller to your friend to play remotely.
- Pass your controller to a friend, virtually, and watch them play. Your friend does not need to own, or even download the game, in order to use this feature. This is perfect for introducing your friends to new games.
- Friend will play with your account earning trophies for you, and will have access only to the active game broadcast [no OS access].
- The host will need to be a PlayStation Plus member, but the guest does not.
Hand over the second player controller
- Activated as soon you give virtual second remote controller to your friend.
- If a game supports local multiplayer, you can have your friend join as player two. Again, the visitor does not need to own, or download the game in order to use this feature.
- Friend will play coop game logged in only as a guest.
- Both players will need PlayStation Plus to use this feature.
FAQ:
Q: Is Share Play free?
A: Yes, although PS+ subscription is needed for some usage scenarios. ^See above.
Q: Are all PS4 games compatible and can be shared?
A: Yes, except those who require camera. You can share all games to your online friends who are now on your “virtual couch”. You can either pass them your own controller so they can control the gameplay or give them another controller for coop play.
Update: Gaffers report that sharing of several games across different territories is restricted. Shadow of Mordor and Lego Marvel games are apparently restricted in EU.
Q: Does some specific requirements need to be met before playing?
A: Germans can share only to other Germans [ID number is needed for age16+ games]. Other rules for worldwide users - user can receive game stream only if the game is present in his local PSN store, if user age account setting is above the requirement, and if Parental Setting is high enough.
more @ http://faq.en.playstation.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9993/~/shareplay-on-ps4-and-its-limitations
Q: Do I need to own games that my friend wants to share with me?
A: No.
Q: Do I need to have PS+ to stream playable game stream?
A: If you want to pass your controller to friend or play in coop, yes.
Q: Do I need to have PS+ to receive playable streams?
A: Only for coop play.
Q: Does this means that I can play games that support only local coop with my online friends [Knack, Towerfall]?
A: Up to 2 players, yes! Your online friends are now on your “virtual couch”, you can hand them another controller and they can play with Guest account.
Q: Does Share Play have any connections with PSNow game streaming service? PSNow is not even launched in my territory!
A: No, this is P2P service between PS4 users. One PS4 is host, one PS4 is client and PSNow servers are not needed. Share Play is usable worldwide from day one.
Q: What’s internet infrastructure is needed for Share Play?
A: For now unknown, although Remote Play experience tells us that host needs to have at least 1-2mbit of upload for lowest quality stream, and around 5-6 mbit for best quality [more is better]. Update - Around 8mbit of upload is needed for perfect 720p60 streaming.
Q: What is the framerate of the Share Play stream?
A:At launch of this service, maximum was 720p30. However in PS4 update 2.50, 60fps streaming was enabled.[/b] Beware that when using 60fps streaming mode, host will not be able to use services of background Game DVR.
UPDATE - PlayStation 4 Pro supports 1080p60 streaming in both RemotePlay and SharePlay services! Required bandwidth for such sharing is not known now at the time of PS4 Pro launch.
Q: What’s the player limit for Share Play?
A: One host and one guest.
Q: Are there any time limitations?
A: Each Share Play session lasts 60 minutes, but hosts can start new session whenever he likes.
Q: Can I accidentally burn though my monthly Internet bandwidth cap if I forget to stop active Share Play session?
A: No. Share Play sessions will automatically stop after 60 minute time limit. This time limit can't be overridden.
Q: Can my friends hold my gamepad as hostage [not be willing to give controls back to me]?
A: No. Host can yank gameplay permission from his friends.
Q: Can my friends be warned or punished by Sony for bad behavior?
A: Yes, they can earn infractions but HOST will be held responsible.
Q: Who earns trophies during Share Play?
A: Only Host earns trophies during Share Play sessions.
Q: My friend who wants to play with me as guest can’t earn trophies for himself?
A: No. He will either play with “your gamepad and your account” earning trophies to you, or will play as Guest account holder in coop mode.
Q: Can Share Play be used in online games that host more than 2 players? For example, Diablo 3 where 3 players are playing together online and one of them is providing Share Play stream to player who does not own the game?
A: Unknown. Most probably yes if the game supports asymmetric coop gameplay [2 players on couch coop and others via internet].
Q: Does Share Play has same amount of lag as Remote Play game streams?
A: Yes, although if both PS4 consoles are connected to the internet via LAN cable, lag should be smaller than with Vita who is relying on more unreliable WiFi.
Q: PS>Vita Remote Play via Internet was plagued by technical problems caused by home router settings. Will Share Play have same issues?
A: Users with NAT Type 3 will have problems being host. You can check your NAT type by performing Connectivity Test in PS4 Settings. Issues can be removed by activating UPnP on your router or forwarding few ports [more details will be posted soon].
Q: Can I send Share Play stream to my friend who has Vita, Playstation TV, or Xperia Z3 device?
A: For now, only PS4>PS4 sharing is supported.
Q: Can I use Share Play for games before their release date, or for alpha/beta tests?
A: Sony & devs have ability to limit game broadcasting.
Q: I want to test games that I and my friends don’t own, or I want to find someone who can solve some difficult gameplay situation/earn difficult trophy. Where can I find people willing to help?
A: Right here on GAF.
First impressions from gaffers:
/This thread will be updated
