We got a PS4 and my question was if I could have multiple PSN account names, because my friend and I want to play with different names.
PS4 and PSN – Can Multiple Accounts Be Used?
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Content downloaded onto an activated console is accessible to all users on the same console as long as the console is activated with the owner of the content's PSN ID. Some content specifically prohibits this.
Content is not shared in the store across PSN IDs and only the account that purchased the content will have the ability to install the content. To share content across accounts, simply have the owner of the content activate the console on their account and install the content on the same console.
Sharing across multiple PSN IDs violates the TOS and some users have been banned for it.
Yes, local accounts are those that exist - are/have logged in - on the same console, whether created there or elsewhere.
The Playstation Plus subscription is tied to the SEN account, but that account can specify a single PS4 console as its primary PS4, which enables other (non-PS+) accounts to access everything on the console.
So any account using that console (the one specified as the primary by at least 1 PS+ subsriber) can enjoy the benefits of PS+, when using that console. That includes multiplayer.
I assume though that multiplayer is not available to local accounts if you are online and playing multiplayer on someone else's console. That part isn't exactly clear. But your (non-PS+)family members / housemates could definitely play multiplayer on your console with only your PS+ subscription when you're not using it.
This FAQ on playstation.com is fairly detailed:
PlayStation 4
You can activate one PS4™ on your Sony Entertainment Network account (this is known as your Primary PS4) and temporarily activate a second PS4 on your account.
PlayStation Plus benefits available to other non-subscribing users on your Primary PS4:
- Online multiplayer (subject to any parental control settings on sub-accounts)
- Play downloaded games purchased with PlayStation Plus discount
- Play downloaded IGC games
PlayStation Plus benefits not available to other users on your Primary PS4:
- Purchasing PlayStation Plus discounted products from PlayStation Store
- Online game save storage
- Auto patch download
- PlayStation Plus exclusive early access to game trials
PlayStation Plus benefits available to you on a non-subscribing friend’s PS4:
- All of your PlayStation Plus membership benefits are available to you when you use a friend’s PS4.
PlayStation Plus benefits available to your non-subscribing friend when you use their PS4:
- Play downloaded games purchased with PlayStation Plus discount
- Play downloaded IGC games
PlayStation Plus benefits not available to your non-subscribing friend when you use their PS4:
- Online multiplayer (subject to any parental control settings on sub accounts)
- Purchasing PlayStation Plus discounted products from PlayStation Store
- Online game save storage
- Auto patch download
- PlayStation Plus exclusive early access to game trials
When you sign into your Sony Entertainment Network on a friend’s PS4 the system is temporarily activated on your account. Please ensure that you correctly sign-out of “PSN” on your friend’s system to keep your account secure.
If your “PSN” account is inactive on your friend’s PS4, the system will be deactivated automatically from your account and your friend will lose access to any of your downloaded content. This content can be deleted from their system hard drive by going to Image (Settings) > System Storage Management > Applications. Next, highlight the game to delete and press Options > Image (X button).
Source: http://faq.en.playstation.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5030
Best Answer
If I'm understanding your question right, yes, you can have multiple accounts. However, you will be a bit restricted on what content you can access across them.
For instance, if you purchase a game on account A and the PS4 is not account A's primary console, account B will be unable to access it. However, if account A does have this console listed as its primary, account B (and accounts C, D, E, F, and G) will be able to access content licensed to account A.
It's worth noting that only account A will be able to download games that it owns the license to. For instance, if you own the Season Pass for an episodic game like Life Is Strange, but don't have the episodes downloaded on the system, account B will be prompted to purchase the Season Pass rather than being able to simply download it. (This is from firsthand experience within the past week)
Another important thing to note is that all but the account with the PS4 listed as its primary will not have their PS+ benefits shared. See this question for more info about that.