One less option for cord-cutters
Sony is dropping its live television streaming service PlayStation Vue on January 30, 2020, citing a “highly competitive Pay TV industry” and ongoing concerns over “expensive content and network deals.”
Over the past four years, PlayStation Vue established a dedicated following – our own Chris Carter loved the DVR capabilities – but it’s an increasingly crowded and divvied-up market out there for streaming. Sony Interactive Entertainment couldn’t offer the licensed content it needed to in a sustainable way. Going forward, the company will “remain focused on [its] core gaming business.”
In a blog post today, Sony said that “PlayStation fans can continue to access movie and TV content through the PlayStation Store on PS4 and via our partnerships with top entertainment apps.”
If you’re affected by the shutdown, your alternatives are Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.
As for the end: “Active paid subscribers will receive their final charge for PlayStation Vue in December 2019,unless they cancel prior to their billing date,” and they’ll be able to watch until January 30.
PlayStation Vue will stop accepting new trials and resubs “soon.”
Sony Interactive Entertainment to Shut Down PlayStation Vue [PlayStation Blog]