Can 2 People Play the Same Game While Game Sharing on PS4? The Definitive Guide

Absolutely! The short answer is yes, two people can indeed play the same game while game sharing on a PS4, provided you understand the intricacies of the PlayStation Network’s game sharing system. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your digital library with a friend or family member without having to purchase multiple copies of the same title. However, there are crucial caveats and limitations that you need to be aware of to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted gaming experience.

The key lies in understanding the “Primary PS4” designation. When you designate a PS4 as your “Primary,” you’re essentially granting anyone who uses that console access to your digitally purchased games and PlayStation Plus benefits. So, let’s dive into how this works and what you need to consider to make it happen.

How Game Sharing Works on PS4

The foundation of game sharing relies on two PlayStation Network accounts and two PS4 consoles. One account is the “owner” of the digital games, and the other is the “borrower.” Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Account Setup: Both players need their own PlayStation Network accounts. If one doesn’t have one, they’ll need to create one.
2. Console Designation: The owner of the games (let’s call them “Player A”) needs to log in to their account on their friend’s (Player B’s) PS4 console.
3. Activate as Primary: On Player B’s PS4, Player A needs to go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4 and activate the console. This essentially tells the PlayStation Network that this console has permission to access Player A’s digital library.
4. Download the Games: Player B can now access Player A’s purchased games from the PlayStation Store on their console.
5. Playing Together: Player A then returns to their own PS4 and logs back into their account. Player A can play the same game as Player B, even though Player B is technically accessing it through Player A’s account.

Crucial Considerations and Limitations

• One Primary PS4 Per Account: You can only have one PS4 activated as your primary console at any given time. If Player A designates Player B’s PS4 as their primary, their own PS4 loses that primary status.
• Internet Connection: Both players will need a stable internet connection to play the game.
• Simultaneous Play Restrictions: While both players can play the same game simultaneously, they cannot play on the same account at the same time. Each player must be logged into their individual PlayStation Network account.
• PlayStation Plus: For online multiplayer games, both players will typically need a PlayStation Plus subscription, unless the game is free-to-play.
• Game Compatibility: Not all games are created equal. Some games might have restrictions or DRM that could hinder the game-sharing process.

Alternatives to Game Sharing

While game sharing is a popular option, there are a few other methods to consider when you would like to play with friends.

• Share Play: This feature allows you to virtually hand over your controller to a friend, even if they don’t own the game. It’s great for trying out new games together. This also allows you to invite someone into split-screen co-op or multiplayer sessions, even if the game doesn’t natively support online play.
• Cross-Platform Play: If the game supports cross-platform play, players on different consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC, etc.) can play together. This eliminates the need for game sharing altogether. This technology is a great advancement in the gaming world.
• Purchase Multiple Copies: The simplest, albeit most expensive, option is for both players to purchase their own copies of the game. This ensures everyone has full access without any restrictions.

Game Sharing: Ethical Considerations

While game sharing is permitted by Sony, it’s important to consider the ethical implications. It’s designed for families or close friends, not for large-scale sharing or reselling access to games. Abusing the system could potentially lead to account bans or other penalties. The Games Learning Society, which is a group interested in the ethical implications of gaming, has many papers on this very topic. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to find out more.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes game sharing doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• “Locked” Games: If Player B is seeing a lock icon on the game even though Player A has activated the console as primary, try restoring licenses. On Player B’s console, go to Settings > Account Management > Restore Licenses.
• “Cannot Connect to Server”: Ensure both players have a stable internet connection.
• Account Conflicts: Double-check that Player A is not logged in on multiple consoles simultaneously.

FAQ: Game Sharing on PS4

Can I game share with multiple friends?

No, you can only share your games with one other console through the primary console activation system.

Can I still play my games if my friend changes their primary PS4?

If your friend deactivates their PS4 as your primary console, you will lose access to their games until they reactivate it.

Is it safe to game share my account information?

It’s generally safe if you trust the person you’re sharing with. However, always use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication for added security.

Can I share my PlayStation Plus benefits with my friend?

Yes, as long as your account is set as the primary account on their PS4, they will have access to some of your PlayStation Plus benefits.

Can my friend download and play all the games I own?

Yes, they can download and play any game you’ve purchased digitally from the PlayStation Store.

Does game sharing affect my trophies or saved game data?

No, trophies and saved game data are tied to individual PlayStation Network accounts, not the console itself.

Can I play a game offline that I downloaded through game sharing?

Yes, as long as the console is activated as your primary PS4, you can play downloaded games offline.

What happens if I change my PlayStation Network password?

Your friend will likely need to re-enter your new password on their console for continued access.

Can I game share with a PS5 console?

Yes, the game sharing process is similar on PS5, using the “Console Sharing and Offline Play” feature.

Is game sharing legal?

Yes, game sharing is permitted by Sony, but it’s intended for personal use, such as within a family or between close friends.

Can I play a game on my PS4 while my friend is watching Netflix on my account on their PS4?

No. If your account is being used to watch streaming content, it is considered in use and will prevent you from playing any games on your PS4.

Can I use share play to do couch co-op games with my friends?

Yes! This feature allows you to invite a friend to enjoy games with a local co-op mode, even if they don’t own the game.

Can I play the same physical game while game sharing?

No, sharing is only available with digital copies of the game, not physical copies.

Is there any region restriction on game sharing PS4?

It is recommended that both accounts are in the same region to prevent compatibility or access issues.

Can I share my game with my friend who also owns the same game through share play?

Yes, you can use share play to play split-screen or invite friends to play multiplayer even when they own the game.