PS4 News: HBO Go App Coming to Console, Will Require Subscription

HBO Go, the popular mobile streaming app that streams HBO on various media devices, is finally coming to both the PlayStation 3 and 4 in 2014, according to the PlayStation Blog.

Senior Vice President of Business Development for Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Phil Rosenberg, revealed that PlayStation 3 owners will first receive access to the HBO Go app, followed by PlayStation 4 owners at a later date. Rosenberg highlighted the original programming that users will be able to stream using HBO Go when the app becomes available.

"With the HBO GO app on your PlayStation system and an HBO subscription via your cable or satellite provider, you'll have unlimited, on-demand access to your favorite HBO shows, like Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire and True Detective. HBO GO offers every episode of every season of the network's best shows. You can also enjoy hit movies, sports, documentaries, and comedy specials, as well as special behind-the-scenes extras," wrote Rosengberg on the PlayStation Blog. 

No specific release date was provided for HBO Go on the Sony consoles, however, it is possible that HBO and Sony would try to get the service up and running on both consoles before the April 6 season premiere of "Game of Thrones." After all, both companies would miss a huge opportunity by missing the season four premiere of HBO's most popular original show, and the date could serve as a barometer for how popular the service could be with PlayStation users.

While HBO Go allows users to stream different HBO movies and television programs, the service requires users to purchase a traditional subscription to HBO. 

Nonetheless, this is a huge opportunity for Sony. The console maker appears to have exclusive rights to HBO Go for the moment as Microsoft has yet to announce if the service will come to the Xbox One or Xbox 360. This puts Sony in the power position when it comes to streaming entertainment as the company already has access to Netflix, Hulu and Crackle on both the PlayStation 3 and 4. With the addition of HBO Go, along with the previously announced WWE Network coming to their consoles, Sony has a chance to make itself the preferred entertainment console for video game users.