Yes, that's a Sony requirement.

Look on the bright side- you will get monthly games and ridiculously low prices during sales. 👍🏼

with all the free stuff you get from plus on top of all the launch discounts, it ends up evening out, also Firewall is a must!

you can always try it for the month and see what you think, if you've never used it before, you also may get a free week!

but those exclusives on PS are killer lately my dude, although I get it, it's hard to break the habit, and you get used to live!