PSN Not Free In 2010

[lisalover1]

Recently, Kaz Hirai, the CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, stated that PSN will no longer be a completely free service in 2010. Next year, Sony will have PSN be a two-tiered subscription-based service, much like Xbox Live. while online play will still remain free [for now], future PSN services will require a PSN subscription. What does this mean? It sucks, that's what it means.

Full Story: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6240938.ht ... es;title;4

[AmishSamurai]

Reason number 22.6 why I'm not buying a current-gen console any time soon. However, this was bound to happen eventually. Wonder if Nintendo will board this train soon.

[Dylan]

Aw... I was finally starting to warm up to it.

[dlmvii]

If online playing is included in the higher tier, I can only imagine the backlash they will get from owners...

EDIT:
nevermind -
"Hirai issued a subsequent statement indicating the present level of service would remain gratis. "

So I wonder what they will add on the paid level?

[J T]

Well, if what they already offer remains the same, this shouldn't be too bad. I got worried before I read dlmvii's follow up comment though. PS3 is the next system I have slated to pick up on my wishlist Although I've been debating between a PS3, a Wii, or a beefed up PC (to compliment my gaming laptop).

[GamerMON]

Wonder if Nintendo will board this train soon.

Do you mean online play in general?

[Dylan]

Wonder if Nintendo will board this train soon.

Do you mean online play in general?

Zing!

[RCBH928]

Well its only natural,

All the people pay for the 360 online gameplay, and they are making big bucks, why shouldn't Sony gets a bite of the action? Specially that it seems they are already losing a lot.

Down side to the story is a lot of people paid a lot of money for the ps3 earlier on believing that they will never have to pay for online gaming.

[Weekend_Warrior]

Settle down, folks!

"SCE will further increase sales by offering users new entertainment through the combination of hardware, software, peripheral, and PlayStation Network," Hirai said in a statement given to British outlets, such as CVG. "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."

I think this means that Sony are merely looking into creating "monthly game and movie subscription accounts." Meaning, you either have a regular account (all free services, non-multimedia subscription) or an upgraded account (all free services, PLUS the monthly multimedia subscription, and maybe a few other special goodies for being a paying member).

Netflix just started on the PS3, right? So I'm assuming Sony are looking into planning some kind of strategic business model around the ability to download games and movies. Makes sense

But PSN will still remain largely free for the most part - the ability to shop, download demos and play online, I'm sure it's all going to stay the way it is.

[Dylan]

I think this means that Sony are merely looking into creating "monthly game and movie subscription accounts." Meaning, you either have a regular account (all free services, non-multimedia subscription) or an upgraded account (all free services, PLUS the monthly multimedia subscription, and maybe a few other special goodies for being a paying member).

Netflix just started on the PS3, right? So I'm assuming Sony are looking into planning some kind of strategic business model around the ability to download games and movies. Makes sense

Yeah, it's kind of hard to justify your griping when Sony isn't actually taking anything away from you. I guess I just read the headlines and made a quick assumption.