Sony discusses monthly online fees

Cygnus · 12-16-2009, 12:09 AM

Sony has once again hinted at plans to charge for online services via the PlayStation Network, specifically mentioning the prospect of monthly fees - although for exactly what products remains unclear.

In an interview with Nikkei Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment executive vice president and chief technology officer Masayuki Chatani was asked how Sony was managing the high costs associated with running a service such as the PlayStation Network.

"We would face difficulties if our business depended solely on the sell-and-forget model. After we sell the hardware, though, we continue to sell products such as content and services," he said.

"We can also accept payment in a growing number of ways," he added. "In addition to single-payment packaged software, there are also schemes like monthly fees or per-item charges."

Although there was little context to his answer it may be that in terms of monthly fees Chatani was only speaking in reference to specific titles, such as massively multiplayer online games.

However, there have been persistent rumours that Sony may be considering an Xbox Live style subscription model for the PlayStation Network a whole.

Last month Kaz Hirari stated categorically that current services would continue to be offered free of charge, although the company may begin to charge for unspecified new premium content and services - some using a subscription model.

scsa · 12-16-2009, 01:49 AM

What words did you leave out this time Cyg.

MikeRox · 12-16-2009, 01:56 AM

Specific games... MAG?

Pinoy · 12-16-2009, 04:39 AM

I imagine if they do offer a premium tier it will include:

Cross game chat (don't laugh, entirely plausible)
Access to full downloadable PSN games
A streaming music service
A certain allowance of video downloads from the PSN store

Other than that I can't quite think up what they could possibly offer for a 'premium' tier if they're keeping the current offerings free.

Loves2Watch · 12-16-2009, 05:17 AM

Who didn't know this was coming from the greed master, Sony.

Cygnus · 12-16-2009, 08:36 AM

Well to be fair, sony has prob spent millions on Home, yet alone its monthly server fees. MS is making big profits from XBL, so surely sony wants to do the same. They will be able to get away with it since consoles are closed proprietary systems. This could actually turn out good if sony uses the money to out innovate MS. Healthy competition is always good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

Who didn't know this was coming from the greed master, Sony.

eiger · 12-16-2009, 08:43 AM

Looking forward to this.

One less piece of FUD that that a few of the Sony fanbois around here will be able to use in their arguments about why PSN is "better" in their eyes.

Razor05 · 12-16-2009, 08:44 AM

Can't wait to hear the defending arguements after that happens.

Mase · 12-16-2009, 09:03 AM

Kaz already mentioned that the core of PSN (playing games online) will not cost anything as of yet.. There was also a mention of charging for those who have a PSP, as a sort of digital rental system.. Sony has already said that their upcoming MMOs will come with a fee, as they are not expected to see big sales and if they want to keep the MMO going it will come with a price...

What has been rumored about the premium service is things like party chat/cross game chat. A more intuitive invite/party system, things like that and soo far PS3 gamers seem to be ok with that.. Some say if priced right, it is worth it and others who dont care about chat features wont be missing out on anything and they can still game online for free

Razor05 · 12-16-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mase

Kaz already mentioned that the core of PSN (playing games online) will not cost anything as of yet.. There was also a mention of charging for those who have a PSP, as a sort of digital rental system.. Sony has already said that their upcoming MMOs will come with a fee, as they are not expected to see big sales and if they want to keep the MMO going it will come with a price...

What has been rumored about the premium service is things like party chat/cross game chat. A more intuitive invite/party system, things like that and soo far PS3 gamers seem to be ok with that.. Some say if priced right, it is worth it and others who dont care about chat features wont be missing out on anything and they can still game online for free

So more like XboxLive.

MikeRox · 12-16-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cygnus

Well to be fair, sony has prob spent millions on Home, yet alone its monthly server fees. MS is making big profits from XBL, so surely sony wants to do the same. They will be able to get away with it since consoles are closed proprietary systems. This could actually turn out good if sony uses the money to out innovate MS. Healthy competition is always good.

Has your account been hacked again?

KEEBS1984 · 12-16-2009, 09:12 AM

I seriously doubt Sony will ever charge for online play. Doing so would cause a huge PR backlash after they lambasted Microsoft for doing that in the early days of the PS3.

My guess is certain amenities will become subscription model like Pinoy stated. Stuff like:

Cross-game chat
Netflix
Demos
Etc.

Probably a lot of stuff... just not online gameplay.

MikeRox · 12-16-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eiger

Looking forward to this.

One less piece of FUD that that a few of the Sony fanbois around here will be able to use in their arguments about why PSN is "better" in their eyes.

FUD? Fear Uncertainty and Doubt?

Can you play an Xbox 360 game against other players online without a fee?
Can you (even after this subscription comes in) play a PS3 game against other players online without a fee?

I believe the questions from what has been said so far differ depending on your system.

Personally I have no gripe with the XBL service charge, however if the PS3 charged for online as well, one of them would have to go as I wouldn't be able to afford monthly fees for multiple consoles (well... I could... but I don't want to shell out) the idea of an optional premium tier sounds good, if it brings the service in line with what Xbox Live offers, it could very well lead to me not renewing my XBL sub as the 360 games I play online are multi format, but there are a fair few PS3 exclusives.

Depending on your preferences, would depend which format you went with though.

However the "FUD" thing as you call it is incorrect until Sony announce that you REQUIRE a sub for any form of online play.

As for the suggestion of expanded access to the PSN games (and mini's maybe?) I'd gladly pony up additional monthly monies for access to unlimited PSN titles or whatever.

jquick77 · 12-16-2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mase

Kaz already mentioned that the core of PSN (playing games online) will not cost anything as of yet.. There was also a mention of charging for those who have a PSP, as a sort of digital rental system.. Sony has already said that their upcoming MMOs will come with a fee, as they are not expected to see big sales and if they want to keep the MMO going it will come with a price...

What has been rumored about the premium service is things like party chat/cross game chat. A more intuitive invite/party system, things like that and soo far PS3 gamers seem to be ok with that.. Some say if priced right, it is worth it and others who dont care about chat features wont be missing out on anything and they can still game online for free

They would put something in the pay service that makes the online play better, so everyone would wind up purchasing it. Sony would be crazy not to. The slim is selling well this xmas, so they are getting the consoles out there. They should charge $30 or $40 per year, and just say its still cheaper than Xbox live.

Mase · 12-16-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razor05

So more like XboxLive.

Pretty much, but thats not a bad thing, people of all ages can navigate XBL and use party chat features with invites. The PSN can be confusing when it comes to game invites and chat sessions, also I think they should fix the quality of voice, or perhaps thats just peoples cheap BTs...

Quote:

Originally Posted by jquick77

They would put something in the pay service that makes the online play better, so everyone would wind up purchasing it. Sony would be crazy not to. The slim is selling well this xmas, so they are getting the consoles out there. They should charge $30 or $40 per year, and just say its still cheaper than Xbox live.

Even if Sony wanted to charge for it all, I dont think they could, it would honestly crush their current upswing and the media bashing alone could make it a huge failure this gen. The invite and party systems I was talking about in my post along with other PSN services could very well make it worth while.. Some gamers actually like to talk to others while gaming and a more intuitive set of features is worth it imo.. Its why I love XBL soo much, its seamless and even a 10 year old can figure it all out.. The PSN is not as friendly, its not hard but it is by no means intuitive...

12-16-2009, 12:09 AM	#1
Cygnus The Bringer of Balance Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 7,171	Sony discusses monthly online fees Sony has once again hinted at plans to charge for online services via the PlayStation Network, specifically mentioning the prospect of monthly fees - although for exactly what products remains unclear. In an interview with Nikkei Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment executive vice president and chief technology officer Masayuki Chatani was asked how Sony was managing the high costs associated with running a service such as the PlayStation Network. "We would face difficulties if our business depended solely on the sell-and-forget model. After we sell the hardware, though, we continue to sell products such as content and services," he said. "We can also accept payment in a growing number of ways," he added. "In addition to single-payment packaged software, there are also schemes like monthly fees or per-item charges." Although there was little context to his answer it may be that in terms of monthly fees Chatani was only speaking in reference to specific titles, such as massively multiplayer online games. However, there have been persistent rumours that Sony may be considering an Xbox Live style subscription model for the PlayStation Network a whole. Last month Kaz Hirari stated categorically that current services would continue to be offered free of charge, although the company may begin to charge for unspecified new premium content and services - some using a subscription model. __________________ Toshiba 57H81 Kenwood VR-616 Comcast DCT6412 III XBox 360 GamerTag Sec0nd2N0n3

12-16-2009, 01:49 AM	#2
scsa High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,146	What words did you leave out this time Cyg. __________________ BLU-RAY Movies (27) Donnie Darko, Twister, Me Myself and Irene, Austin Powers 1, Austin Powers 2, Austin Powers 3, Friday the 13th, Halloween 1980, Halloween (2007), Smallville season 7, Freddy Vs Jason,Iron man, Transformers, Sarah Connor Chronicles. Independence Day, and Tropic Thunder,Die Hard, Die Harder, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Die hard 4,The Dark Knight, the matrix, The Matrix 2, The matrix 3, Spiderman, Spiderman 2, Spiderman 3. [/b][/color] [/color][/b]

12-16-2009, 01:56 AM	#3
MikeRox Blu Blu Skies! :D Join Date: May 2007 Location: Huddersfield, United Kingdom Posts: 13,442	Specific games... MAG? __________________ Latest HD additions - Origin - Watchmen - Chaos - Cinderella Man - Terminator Salvation HD Movies - Um... Lost count >_< bout 250 Latest Gaming Additions - Batman Arkham Asylum - Borderlands - New Super Mario Bros - Spectrobes Origins - Rabbids Go Home -

12-16-2009, 04:39 AM	#4
Pinoy I'm here for the lulz Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,291	I imagine if they do offer a premium tier it will include: Cross game chat (don't laugh, entirely plausible) Access to full downloadable PSN games A streaming music service A certain allowance of video downloads from the PSN store Other than that I can't quite think up what they could possibly offer for a 'premium' tier if they're keeping the current offerings free. __________________ SteamID: Pin0y_b0y Speed up your PS3 Network Connection

12-16-2009, 05:17 AM	#5
Loves2Watch Ohmmmmmm Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: AZ, NM, TX, MX Posts: 16,553	Who didn't know this was coming from the greed master, Sony. __________________ Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's or Blu-ray players. Main HT Room - Panasonic PT-AE4000U, Draper Premier 119" 16:9 Projector Screen, Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player.

12-16-2009, 08:43 AM	#7
eiger High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: The Evil Empire, WA Posts: 813	Looking forward to this. One less piece of FUD that that a few of the Sony fanbois around here will be able to use in their arguments about why PSN is "better" in their eyes. __________________ ================ -XBOX 360 over HDMI -XBOX HD-DVD -Panasonic DMP-BD30K -XBL gamertag Nostronomo -110" 16:9 Carada -SONOS ZP90 and S3 2 zone system -Epson 7500UB 1080p Projector -Comcast HD-DVR over HDMI -Klipsch VF-35 Mains -Klipsch VC-25 Center -Emotiva ERD-1 Side/Rear Surround -Klipsch Sub-10 -Onkyo TX-SR805 Receiver [New!] -Harmony 1100 + RF[New!]

12-16-2009, 08:44 AM	#8
Razor05 HD = 65 beautiful inches Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 3,448	Can't wait to hear the defending arguements after that happens. __________________ Panasonic TH-65PZ850U Sony KDL37XBR6 Panasonic TH-37PX50U Cambridge Audio Azur 640R & 740C Paradigm Studio 60's, 20's, CC-590 & Seismic 12 Panasonic DMP-BD35 Toshiba HD-XA2 & A35 Motorola VIP1200 Monster HTFS1000, PB2100 Audio Authority 1154a MW2 LE & Halo3 LE Xbox 360 + HD-DVD GT: Razor59 Sony PS3 slim GT:Razor_59 Sony PSP

12-16-2009, 09:03 AM	#9
Mase Way of the Samurai Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tempe,Az Posts: 3,215	Kaz already mentioned that the core of PSN (playing games online) will not cost anything as of yet.. There was also a mention of charging for those who have a PSP, as a sort of digital rental system.. Sony has already said that their upcoming MMOs will come with a fee, as they are not expected to see big sales and if they want to keep the MMO going it will come with a price... What has been rumored about the premium service is things like party chat/cross game chat. A more intuitive invite/party system, things like that and soo far PS3 gamers seem to be ok with that.. Some say if priced right, it is worth it and others who dont care about chat features wont be missing out on anything and they can still game online for free __________________ PlayStation 3 : legnd Killer Xbox 360: Legnd K1ller Steam ID: Legnd_Killer Currently playing Battlefield Bad Company 2(360) AvP (360) GOW III 3/16/10 (PS3)

12-16-2009, 09:12 AM	#12
KEEBS1984 FIFA 10 > PES 2010 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: PORTLAND!!!... OR Posts: 2,627	I seriously doubt Sony will ever charge for online play. Doing so would cause a huge PR backlash after they lambasted Microsoft for doing that in the early days of the PS3. My guess is certain amenities will become subscription model like Pinoy stated. Stuff like: Cross-game chat Netflix Demos Etc. Probably a lot of stuff... just not online gameplay. __________________ My various gamertags: Spoiler: Xbox 360 GamerTag: GeoffisAwesome PSN Username: BacteriaEP Steam Account: Keebs1984 Add me on any of these! I accept all friend requests... cept for you spammers. I don't like you. TELL ME WHO YOU ARE IF YOU ADD ME! Oh also feel free to check out my various musings on gaming at one of the sites I currently write for HERE.