Update 1: Polygon has since stated Sony “will not charge consumers for patches,” yet it remains unknown whether that solely applies to games published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Further information to follow soon.
Update 2: Absinthe Games founder Jack Sipich stated developers are not allowed to charge money for patches, even if those come in the form of PS4 Pro updates.
With the announcement of the PlayStation 4 Pro, Sony is pushing the boundaries of console gaming by implementing 4K and HDR support. Some existing titles will receive updates to bring in support for those features, but there may be a catch.
In an interview with Japanese gaming website Game Impress Watch, Sony Interactive Entertainment executive Masayasu Ito stated not all 4K HDR patches will be free, with some third-party developers charging money in order to upgrade to 4K and HDR.
Special thanks to Kotaku for the translation.
Game Impress Watch: For the 4K HDR patch for existing titles, will it cost money? Or will it be free?
Ito: It will be different for each title. I believe it will depend on the thinking of each licensee.
Game Impress Watch: What about Sony Interactive Entertainment?
Ito: I think it will vary for each one of our titles.
Game Impress Watch: What you’re saying is that there will be titles that have a fee [for the patch] and [patches for the] titles that are free.
Ito: That is correct.
Game Watch Impress: From here on out, we can think that all the titles from SIE will completely support PS4 Pro?
Ito: Right. The first party titles we put out are going to certainly support both [4K and HDR].
Not exactly an ideal situation, but we suppose the implementation of these features is not an easy task for both Sony and third-party developers.
Are you willing to pay for 4K resolutions or high dynamic range lighting? More updates regarding PlayStation 4 Pro changes are bound to follow.
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