But there's a catch: Sony is charging for multiplayer on PlayStation 4

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LOS ANGELES — After undercutting Microsoft on the price of its new home console and used games, Sony is regressing its stance on multiplayer for PlayStation 4.

The company will now gate multiplayer behind a PlayStation Plus subscription. This puts Sony on par with Microsoft’s multiplayer on Xbox Live. For PlayStation 3, Sony did not charge for multiplayer.

“PS4 multiplayer online access requires PSN account & PS Plus subscription,” reads the fine print on a video Sony published during its pre-Electronic Entertainment Expo media briefing today.

Gamers can subscribe to PlayStation Plus for $50 a year. That’s $10 cheaper than Microsoft’s $60 Xbox Live annual fee. In addition to multiplayer, Sony offers free games and early access to demos to PlayStation Plus members, though Microsoft is bringing a similar plan for Xbox Live Gold subscribers.

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