Thread: PSN not so Free future?

Sony Talks Premium PSN Subscription Service
Company exploring possible new online revenue streams.

by Jim Reilly


November 19, 2009 - In a move to help bolster the company's online sales revenue, Sony Computer Entertainment president Kaz Hirai stated the PlayStation Network may see a premium subscription-based service on top of its current free-to-play online model.

"SCE will further increase sales by offering users new entertainment through the combination of hardware, software, peripheral and PlayStation Network," said Hirai (via Eurogamer). "Especially in the online area, we are studying the possibility of introducing a subscription model, offering premium content and services, in addition to the current free services."

When asked for comment, Sony Computer Entertainment America stated they have nothing to officially announce at this time.

"We are looking into a variety of options but have nothing to announce at this point in time," a SCEA spokesperson told IGN.

It's unlikely Sony would begin charging for online play such as Microsoft does with its Xbox Live service. This premium model would most likely center around additional video or game content, such as exclusive first-looks at trailers and demos.



So we all expected to see it happen sooner or later.. PSN would involve money in getting online.. They aren't doing it the way XBOX does but the real question is would you pay for a "premium service"??

I pay for Microsoft already. If I had to play for PS3 I would send a complaint! loL!

If I can still play online, I wont pay for it, seems like it will help Sony though.

I'm with max on this one as long as I can get DLC for my games and play with my friends online then I see no need in it. But the first look and exclusive extras does sound really good

Sounds like they're thinking about simply adding the premium stuff and keeping the current features free. If so, I'm fine with that. Let's just hope that the premium content is reasonably priced (although I somehow doubt it...).

Its business..you have to do what you do to get money...

My trust is at Sony.

its not going to effect the current model, playing online will still be free. How much you want to bet that the "premium" service includes cross game voice chat and more reliable network. tell you the truth i would pay for that, only as long as they keep playing online for others free.

Sony 'studying' paid PSN subscriptions for 2010 - News at GameSpot
PSN will still remain completely free, the subscription where you pay monthly will be for a premium account that will allow you special features and earlier demos on the PSN, all non subscribers will see no difference

I Would Do It Long Ago If I Was Sony ... But Still You Will Be Able TO Get Premium n Free.. Free Would Be Same As Its Now... Premium Would Be Like 1 Free DLC For Every 2 Months! / Completly New Dashboard / Free Premium Avatars/Themes And More...

Btw In Todays World Money Is Important Wich I Dont Like But ....

It's like Gold on XBL, without the need to pay to play online.

Doesn't make much since to me. If they demos will be released eventually to everyone and you and still play online without charge, then there's really no point. Sounds like they're trying to do another Qore, just without the digital mag.

Well this seems like an improved version of qore :/
Still I might get it, if it has some interresting and cool new features!

If everything that is free right now is going to stay free then I am not to sure of what it is that they are going to offer to make people want to pay for the premium service. To be honest, I thought that is what QORE was, additional content on up and coming games, movies and other media while also offering bonuses like beta access, early demos and even free games/DLC. Maybe they have something up their sleeve for it that they just have not told anyone, I just do not see it.

"In addition to the free services"

PSN won't charge money for online play. I don't know what they mean by 'Premium Services" but it sounds like a good idea for them. I wonder how this will turn out in the future.

If they aren't going to charge for online play then I don't care for it, I see no reason to even make this service if it won't affect what is already being done on PSN honestly just seems like Qore with perhaps more features but I don't see the pull here and don't see this succeeding much for Sony to be honest.

Only thing that could even my attention is perhaps some kind of rental service for the arcade or PSP games kind of like Sega Channel was, now that would be something to definitely think about paying for.

Premium services might contain certain functionality like 3D gaming, x-game voice chat, ect. I'm almost 100% certain those 2 will be apart of the service. I just hope they merge Qore into this Premium service, cause i dont want to pay for both.

I don't need Cross game chat considering I'm right next to my computer so I have the power of Skype for my "party" needs. Take that XBL I use a free service HAHA! (That was ment to be a random joke btw)

Originally Posted by AdrianMishamura

I don't need Cross game chat considering I'm right next to my computer so I have the power of Skype for my "party" needs. Take that XBL I use a free service HAHA! (That was ment to be a random joke btw)

that only works if everyone you play with has a computer next to them too.

I would pay IF the content was right. Such as like, if there is not going to be a ps3 version of WRC then re-release the original ps2 EVO version as a DLC with trophies of course. And other ps2 titles such as The Getaway, The original Killzone, Beatdown Fists of Vengenace, The Warriors ect ect ect.