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PlayStation Plus monthly costs increase significantly in Europe

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Sony’s PlayStation Plus service will increase in price in Europe starting next month for users who re-up their subscriptions on a monthly or quarterly basis, Sony confirmed this week.

The current rates for PlayStation Plus renewals in the UK are £5.49 for a one-month extension and £11.99 for three months. These prices are due to increase by 25% starting September 1. Costs in mainland Europe will see a similar increase at the end of this month.

Sony notes that the service’s 12-month subscription cost of £39.99 will not change.

“We are dedicated to bringing PlayStation Plus members the best possible service with the most compelling content,” Sony’s PlayStation UK branch said in a recently issued statement. “From September 1, 2015 we will be increasing the price of monthly and three-month PlayStation Plus subscriptions in line with market conditions.”

Sony previously increased service subscription costs in South Africa, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and other territories before committing to a widespread price hike across Europe this week. When questioned regarding its inflated costs late last year, Sony stated that it has no plans for similar price increases in North America.

Sony’s PlayStation Plus subscription service grants users access to online multiplayer features on the PlayStation 4. Subscribers additionally receive exclusive discounts, promotional offers, and a handful of free games for the PS4, PlayStation 3, and PS Vita rotated out on a monthly basis.

This month’s lineup of free games offered via PlayStation Plus includes Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris and Limbo for the PlayStation 4, God of War Ascension for the PlayStation 3, and the cross-platform games CastleStorm, Stealth Inc 2, and Sound Shapes.

A long-promised PlayStation Plus version of the PS4-exclusive racing sim Driveclub hit the service as a downloadable freebie in June.

Sony has not announced plans to increase PlayStation Plus subscription costs in other territories.

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