Kaz Hirai considering PSN Charge?

[Pygmy_Hippo]

From Digital Spy

Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) boss Kaz Hirai has revealed that the firm is considering a subscription model for the PlayStation Network.

Under the plans, online gaming would most likely remain free, but other unspecified premium services would start carrying a charge to access.

In a statement issued to CVG, Hirai said: "SCE will further increase sales by offering users new entertainment through the combination of hardware, software, peripheral and PlayStation Network.

"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."

Hirai decided to speak publicly on the plans following the leak of a Sony slide presentation outlining the firm's aim to generate a "new revenue stream from subscription".

The presentation further revealed SCE plans to position the PS3 as a 3D-ready console as part of an overall strategy to introduce the technology into Sony consumer electronics during 2010.

Towards the aim, all current PS3 consoles will be upgraded to 3D via a firmware update at some point in the future.

I'm quite surprised at that - I though Microsoft would come down to meet Sony rather than the other way round :(

[+Audioboxer Subscriber²]

in addition to the current free services.

Probably more things like Qore, the EU is still waiting on their version of that which was promised. I vision a monthly rental model for video coming as well, people prefer to pay $10-15 a month and get unlimited rentals, than pay $3-5 a pop for each rental. With PSN confirmed to be coming to TVs/Mobile Devices video subscription rental would make sense.

Nothing to be surprised about, online gaming is remaining free. That's the often argued and sought after point between what MS may or may not do in the future.

I think at one point it was rumoured they were considering offering a subscription to the PSN store, if you paid so much each month for a set amount of time you'd get x amount of content each month. Obviously the idea being whatever you get all in is valued at slightly more than your subscription, but you have to commit to the subscription for the duration.

Sony to launch online content distribution service in 2010

Sony has confirmed that the planned content distribution service for its network-connected devices will be launched next year.

The online service is expected to offer films, music, books and other content to its range of network-capable TVs, Blu-ray players, ebooks and other devices in a bid to add value to its products, reports Reuters.

Additionally, Sony executive VP Kazuo Hirai told reporters in Japan he is confident sales of the PlayStation 3 will hit the company's official target of 13 million units in the fiscal year ending March 2010.

Sony has recently said that it hopes to return its PlayStation business to profitability for the fiscal year ending March 2011.

Source: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sony...in-2010-article

Books/Films/Music/Ebooks? That's begging for a subscription.

Edited November 20, 2009 by Audioboxer

[macrosslover]

I'd be more willing to pay for a subscription to psn if it allowed me to have unlimited rentals of music/video content, and of course I would still have to purchase games.

[Pygmy_Hippo]

That's a good point, just reminded me of a headline I saw earlier... (scurries off to find link)

Sony iTunes in 2010

Could be like an "all you can eat" access for a set fee every month. I think Virgin Broadband is doing something similar in the UK.

[x9248]

As long as the stuff we have now remains free I'm cool with this. I'm not really a "renter", I like to buy all my stuff so steaming movies etc is nothing to me :p

[_neutrino Veteran]

at least they stated in addition to so we all know when we hear the rumors they will charge for online games they are exactly that rumors lol.

[t_r_nelson]

The title's a little misleading. It would be for a premium service. As long as it's an option and most things remain free, then no problem.

[Livin in a box]

I'm sure something's been said about this before...

[soniqstylz]

As long as the stuff we have now remains free I'm cool with this. I'm not really a "renter", I like to buy all my stuff so steaming movies etc is nothing to me :p

what about steamy movies?

[Xilo]

what about steamy movies?

There's a Japanese disc for that... Similar to the netflix disc. :p