Game Pre-loading Finally Comes to the PS4

Next week will see the first pre-loadable game on the PS4.

After speculation originating from before the console's release, game pre-loading is coming to the PS4 in the form of automatic pre-load. The feature will work much like it does on PC platforms like Steam: users pre-order a digital title, download/pre-load the game in the day/days prior to its release and then on release day the game becomes playable. The automatic part works just so long as the user pre-orders the game from PSN and leaves their PS4 in standby mode. Sony has highlighted 10 games, mainly highlights of E3, where automatic pre-load will be enabled, but really any title made available for pre-order on PSN after May 20th, 2014 will be able to be pre-loaded.

The first game to support the automatic pre-load feature is PS4 version of 'Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark,' and that game helps to illuminate some of the remaining questions about the feature. Specifically, the digital version is promised to be playable midnight PST June 24th. Likewise, once pre-ordered, a refund of any sort is highly unlikely. Sony has promised that games that are pre-ordered and pre-loadable will have a countdown timer.

There was one last aspect addressed today, and that is the PS3. While the PS4 is the main focus, pre-load is also coming to the PS3.

Source: PlayStation Blog