The rumors that Sony could introduce a premiere tier service for PlayStation Network are gaining more momentum, as Sony executives themselves begin acknowledging the possibility.
"Why don't we charge for [PSN]?" said Sony's VP of marketing, Peter Dille, to IGN. "It's been our philosophy not to charge for it from launch up until now, but Kaz [Hirai, head of Sony games] recently went on the record as saying that's something we're looking at. I can confirm that as well. That's something that we're actively thinking about. What's the best way to approach that if we were to do that? You know, no announcements at this point in time, but it's something we're thinking about."
So far, fortunately, there are no signs that Sony intends to remove its biggest marketing advantage over Xbox Live: the ability to play online multiplayer without paying a single cent.
What features would you pay for in a premium service? Off the top of my head, what about the ability to export videos to YouTube across all video games released on PS3?
Source: IGN
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cJaint
if sony came out with some extra services like recording game videos and being able to post them to the internet that would b nice and i would pay for it. but what they they have right now isnt work a monthly fee. but i agree with XFrod. a lifetime membership option tht includes a free Qore subscription or sumthing like that would b cool.
nezo322
if they start making people pay for their psn's then they will just swiicth to xbox depending on how much it costs and sony will loose more money and customers so i think sony should really think about what they are doing and keep psn;s free
burningstrength
If I pay, can I get backwards compatibility as a premium with it? Or will you promise me that and then give me the finger later on like before?
scorpian876
This might be prudent move for SONY.Sony makes enough money off their play station one games
and ps2 games on the down loadable section.I still think the should be prudent if they charge people.
faithfracture
I'd pay a fee. XBox Live is $50 a year, and I don't use it for what they charge for much. I hardly every play games online, but it is nice to be able to do it if I want to. I pay the fee, but I do fee that it is too high for as little as I use it. I wouldn't mind paying for a PSN premium membership, but I wouldn't be too happy paying another $50. Half that would be OK with me.
On the other hand, there are a LOT of people that use PSN (and XBox Live) all the time and just play online multiplayer a lot. How many people pay $16 (or whatever it is) a MONTH for MMO subscriptions? I don't see them complaining too much. Compared to that, $50 a year isn't a bad price, ya know?
I would be really unhappy though if they wanted to charge me a membership fee just to look at stuff online and download games & content. Microsoft doesn't charge for that, so I don't think Sony should either.
I really don't think it's too unfair for Sony (or anyone for that matter) to ask for a fee for users to have access to their servers. An unfair price, however, is something I would have a problem with.
Aussie_Jedi
@ Patrick Klepek
You need to address this on the next feedback.
PS I submitted a feedback question of the week; can you please read it in response to this topic.
wasteddays2
It seems as if people are always waiting for something bad to say about sony hello haters no need for a long winded statement if they do charge its going to be for special con not playing your fav. oniline title. you would be paying for prem. service while x-box your paying to just online play so its still the best deal the way i see it but there is always someone that is going to disagree right? internet+blueray+wifi+free online game play= a big edge on the comp.
AJ3389
Sony can do what it pleases. The bigger question is: Will anyone pay for PSN?
CustosIntusSilentium
As of the state of PSN now, charging is suicide. I already pay for internet access, why should I pay more? -- steam is free -- The only way Sony could make the choice to charge and not shoot themselves in the foot is to make ALL content free. Otherwise, there's no advantage in first paying for a game, later paying for online access to play with friends, and/or then paying to download the DLC. That's three charges if you want to get the most out of ONE game! And why would I pay for just the option to download a movie? I mean, I still have to pay to actually download the damn thing, so why pay twice?
Hueso
What I think they should do is two or more tiers...example; Tier 1) free online service to those who want basic internet like gaming with friends on servers that are what we have now, not dedicated servers or third party servers. Tier 2) payment plan online service that has dedicated servers. Tier 3) payment plan online service that is more money and with added features like free game demos/movies limit per month/avatars/wallpaper/themes /etc.
I don't know but that's what me thinkx .)
sergeant95
they should make it where there is still free online but make premium PSN where u pay and get new features. so if u don't feel like paying it will be the same, but if u want the extra features then get the premium. Players would be happy that way.
bigboi21
If they do decide to charge us for it, then they'd prolly make things like Qore, and other things within the PS Network that you subscribe to, free. And maybe make premium themes free. IDK, i really can't see them charging people for it and adding major things like cross-game chat only for premium users
redsoxfan67
Just when i wanna buy a ps3 soon, they are thinking about charging for psn. I don't want to pay for both psn and xbox live. I hope it stays free.
GatsuBlackSword
It's bound to happen their overall system is slow. My buddy takes forever to download things I get much faster on XBL. The online gaming Infrastructure is brutal played SF IV with my buddy at his house played online and got kicked off or dropped consistently. On XBL never had those issues. I like PS3 but I think this is VERY necessary for Sony to compete on the same playing field.
stormwalker4
currently, is no service that psn offers that I would be willing to pay for. I pay for xboxlive and that is where I play online when on console. All of my ps3 games are solo affairs. I will pass on paying.
wambam24
oh, what sony need to consider is . since ps3 does everything how about some iphone, ipad, ipod touch connectivity bucause psp sales are slow. And that would bring alot more people to the ps brand.
zenith_of_power
I totally disagree with this. I dont really see as this being some sort of advantage over LIVE. Both are pretty even because although your paying for LIVE, you paying for a better integrated system and more things, where as PSN is free but they still have kinks they need to work out and they need to impliment new things to it while making it easy to use like LIVE. maybe then I wont be so dissapointed in them charging for it. But right now it would be a terrible bussiness move on many different levels
wambam24
I dont think they should charge for online gameing. Its a little to late in the game.Its like you already pay to access the internet, you purchacee a console and you buy a game you pay for dlc which is stuff that should have been included in the game in the first place then you must pay to play it online. Us gamers are slowly getting cheated stop nickel and dimeing the gamers. Maybe ps4 but in the meantime keep it free.
DukeOfNYaNumba1
I think the biggest reason Sony loyalists don't want to be charged for PSN is because they spend so much time giving crap to those that pay for XBL.
Anyhow, if you really do feel that free online gaming is a must, go pick up a Wii, just try setting up an online game of Mario Kart with your friends and you'd be more than willing to pay for PSN or XBL.
stricking spider
I think this is good that they are charging because if u think about it they will have money to work on the network just like xbox live!
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