Paid subscription a possibility for the future of PlayStation Network
by Peter Vrabel 
{ Jun 18th 2007 at 4:00PM }
Paying for a subscription would certainly seem to be a possibility, especially as the long-rumored feature upgrades come filing into the PlayStation Network. When speaking with Geoff Keighley on the latest edition of Gametrailers' Bonus Round, Eric Lempel spoke about the PlayStation Network's current free service and that, "in time, anything can change." Comparing the PlayStation Network to Microsoft's Xbox Live service, Lempel, Sony's director of Network Operations reconfirmed "we're working on an achievements system," describing its inclusion as "an important feature." Voice-chat across all games is also something (thankfully) that Mr. Lempel touched base on, saying "talking across games ... definitely builds momentum for games and actually migrate(s) users to other games and keeps you in touch with your gaming community." We couldn't agree more.
Exactly when these implementations will make it to a PS3 near you, via firmware upgrade, is uncertain. "It's not in the next firmware update but it's something we're working on," says Mr. Lempel. We certainly hope so, though we are catching wind of the potential trade-off here. What do you think? Would you pay a subscription fee (similar to Xbox Live) for a plan that allows cross-game invites, built-in voice chat for all multiplayer games and a similar achievement points implementation? Or would you rather say the heck with all that, and voice to keep the PlayStation Network free for all, setting it apart from Microsoft's Xbox Live service?
[Via Next-Gen]
Exactly when these implementations will make it to a PS3 near you, via firmware upgrade, is uncertain. "It's not in the next firmware update but it's something we're working on," says Mr. Lempel. We certainly hope so, though we are catching wind of the potential trade-off here. What do you think? Would you pay a subscription fee (similar to Xbox Live) for a plan that allows cross-game invites, built-in voice chat for all multiplayer games and a similar achievement points implementation? Or would you rather say the heck with all that, and voice to keep the PlayStation Network free for all, setting it apart from Microsoft's Xbox Live service?
[Via Next-Gen]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
d1s @ Jun 18th 2007 4:07PM
no paid subscription pls!
shase @ Jun 18th 2007 4:10PM
Why did he say "in time, anything can change"? Now all those anti sony sites like Joystiq, digg, kotaku etc. are going to post news like "Future of PSN: inferior xboxlive with subscription" or "PSN is not free afterall". It's kinda sad now that anything one says will be viewed the wrong way or scrutinized even if it doesn't mean it.
Toby @ Jun 18th 2007 4:12PM
I think theyre going to stay free for quite a while yet, that's what they have to really separate them from the 360.
tilsley @ Jun 18th 2007 4:16PM
free
DxG @ Jun 18th 2007 4:18PM
the only thing that PSN has over XBL is the free subscription.. they need to keep it free so they can atleast compete with XBL
GRT @ Jun 18th 2007 4:20PM
Wow, I watched that video and man, can you ever twist things just to make a controversial post title.
My respect for PS3 fanboy just dropped quite a bit.
Here's a transcript:
Keeley: And you guys will, I mean, NEVER charge for online, that's sort of the philosophy is that, y'know, everything will be free?
Lempel: Right now that's our model. Y'kn.., in time, anything can change but right now we're happy with it, consumers like it, and we're happy to offer it.
Keeley: And it will be ad-supported? Cuz it's an expensive thing to run....
Then Lempel goes on to explain that the basic Home is free but you can buy a bigger apartment, etc.
I think Vrabel is making a huge and fundamentally unwarranted leap taking two disparate parts of the interview and coming up with a headline based 100% on his own speculation.
No official representative ever says "This is how it will be forever and always." They *always* leave themselves wiggle room or else the community will come back and accuse them of lying if something fundamental changes 5 years from now and Sony has to charge $1/year because of a change in the tax laws with regard to virtual items and currency (I'm making that up...but point is, no one can see the future).
Bad, bad reporting job, PS3 Fanboy. I expect better of you.
silence @ Jun 18th 2007 4:24PM
Quote:
Tretton doesn't shy away from direct comparisons to Sony's biggest game-industry rival. "We offer everything that Xbox Live does. The big differentiating factor is that we're not charging you" to sign up for the network service, he said.
If this is true then that would make a Jack a liar...
SlavedHeart @ Jun 18th 2007 4:25PM
Yup, this is the eventual death knell for the PS3, we should all unearth our burried Dreamcasts and fill the hole with the black obelesk that is the PS3.
Come on, yes, I WHOLE HEARTEDLY agree that this is a BAD idea, charging for PSN, but come on folks, there are a lot more simple minded folks out there, more than willing to pay the fee than there are of us who will flail against the hollow promises of a free community, some after spending several thousands in anticipation of not having to make any future outlays of cash (i.e. me... fool that I am).
All I can say is to echo what the sony execs have been saying since launch...
Tough, it works for microsoft, why should we deviate...
Michael K. @ Jun 18th 2007 4:25PM
Crap! Not having to pay for online subscriptions for online play was what separated gamers from xbox fans, what are you thinking sony?
pete @ Jun 18th 2007 4:28PM
way to put on spin on that headline! im still a lil dizy. read post#6, as of now it will be free and stay free for a lil while longer, will they charge eventually, maybe maybe not. but i figure they make the income from furnitrue and apartments and clothing for your avatar and anything else they can charge for in HOME and those psn games should bring in some cash as well.
brian @ Jun 19th 2007 10:38AM
cmon r u serious? first they put out a $600 system and now they might make us pay for PSN? the free online play on PSN is whats keeping me from pickin up a 360.
aj Romero @ Jun 18th 2007 4:34PM
IF PSN OFFERED PARALLELED COMMUNITY FEATURES I WOULD PAY!
Scott Krueger @ Jun 18th 2007 4:35PM
Another vote for the Free.
Sony can get their money charging for things in Home.
I myself would pay a small fee for a Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Lions (yeah we suck), Pistons, or Red Wings Decor package for my Playstation Home.
When Home actually comes out of course.
Please Keep the Free part of PSN.
Jermaine Pulliam @ Jun 18th 2007 4:44PM
That would suck because the only reason I'm on PSN is because it's free. No games = no reason to pay for something I won't be using.
Lucas @ Jun 20th 2007 7:09PM
I reeeeeeally hope it continues to be free...
I just got my ps3, and I'm enjoying the PSN yet.
Jovah45 @ Jun 18th 2007 4:51PM
they would have to drastically improve the network, I can download from xboxlive in no time but when it comes to downloading from psn I can go run errands go play some sports smoke a cigar and come back and it still isn't finished.
WhackMushroom @ Jun 18th 2007 4:52PM
reaching .. foul. i am about to jump on the same boat as #6 ..
Ally Mohamed @ Jun 18th 2007 4:55PM
All I want right now is to be able to listen to my own music during gameplay through the XMB. Somebody kidnap a Sony exec. and make it happen please! I'm so sick of NHL 2K7 beats....
Popfrogs @ Jun 18th 2007 4:57PM
Flamebait post for sure.
Until the PS Store even approaches what the competition is offering (yes, there is only 1 competitor on the same level), they'd be nuts to charge for it. At this point what would we be paying for? Demos which sell games? Movie trailers that sell movie tickets? Who's gonna pay for advertising?
Khaliel @ Jun 18th 2007 5:07PM
Well they could simply let it free, and for those who want the new options, upgrading to a paying account.
There are always people to buy those options, after all, some people are ready to pay 8€ for 3 Resistance maps...
GRT @ Jun 18th 2007 5:13PM
People, stop being lemmings. Instead of just reading PS3Fanboy's totally made up drivel, go watch the source material and THEN decide if you need to be worried.
This is what is wrong with so-called "gaming journalism." Some irresponsible person, Peter Vrabel in this case, makes up some crap and you all accept it as truth!! He feeds you lies and you say "More, please!"
Don't be so stupid! The source is available, check it out for yourself.
Franchise03 @ Jun 18th 2007 5:17PM
well...right now...i want free..free..and free...because their is not alot of games out anyways..but when the games start flowing..then i wouldn't mind to pay for online (thats if it has the same features and no lag etc). I would like it to be cheaper than XBL just so it still stands out..
wonway01 @ Jun 18th 2007 5:26PM
By that title was pushing it compaired to the context of the conversation.
Lost some respect on that one.
bearattack79 @ Jun 18th 2007 5:36PM
WTF did you guys think would happen?
First ones always free bitches! Sony has to make money some how.
Wait till they hose you for rumble!
Lp47 @ Jun 19th 2007 12:45AM
please keep it free sony but bring all those dope features you talked about.
Bababooey @ Jun 18th 2007 5:56PM
It's a blog not network news people. Maybe Fox News has made people confused on the difference between real news and opinions/blogs.
ekbigpimping @ Jun 18th 2007 6:21PM
I want to be able to play my music through XMB amd I wouldn't mind paying as long if its not to expensive cause I'm just a kidd still
massive_98 @ Jun 18th 2007 6:14PM
I love paying $60 a year for Xbox lame... not!
WebMaster @ Jun 18th 2007 6:24PM
@ Bababooey
Nah, it wasn't Fox, it is CNN that mixes personal lefty bias with real news.
@ Massive_98
Funny. I know I'm not the only one with both an Elite & PS3. I also can see the remarkable difference between a free service and a pay service. Xbox live far surpasses the PSN at this stage, and as well it should as it's more mature. However, I don't see the PSN ever outshining the Xbox Live network unless they start charging. Seeing the difference a small yearly fee makes, I would be more then happy to pay a similar fee for the PSN if they would improve it and add the funtionality & cohesiveness that the Xbox Live service provides.
EvoAnubis @ Jun 18th 2007 6:24PM
Jeez guys; quotation out of context much?
Andir3.0 @ Jun 18th 2007 6:29PM
um, Totally agreeing with GRT (#6) right here. There's really nothing in there that would spawn a debate on changing to a charged account unless your REALLY read into it.
I think Peter is secretly undercover for Microsoft spreading Fud ;) (that should warm things up)
Andir3.0 @ Jun 18th 2007 6:34PM
@Webmaster: "However, I don't see the PSN ever outshining the Xbox Live network unless they start charging."
What the hell is charging going to magically fix? Oh, I forgot. If you start charging people, they instantly get voice chat, cause we all know VOIP software needs money to work. It's all about how Sony sets up the infrastructure to handle the bandwidth (and the cost therein.) If they route all voice traffic through a Sony server, that would be stupid and cost money. If they setup a "matchmaking server" to connect people to each other P2P and fall back on a dedicated host only when needed, there's really no need for massive bandwidth servers. (thus, lower cost/free)
Simply saying that charging people is the only way to fix it is the most retarded thing I've read today.
mat parker @ Jun 18th 2007 6:40PM
I have a feeling if achievements come to PsN many Ms lawyers will decend on sony
massive_98 @ Jun 18th 2007 7:36PM
"I have a feeling if achievements come to PsN many Ms lawyers will decend on sony"
I hate acheivements. Gaming is something you should do because you love the game not for some points. I know alot of people that would normally stop playing a game because it is boring but they keep playing just to get some points.
The big difference between the PSN and Xbox Live is live has all the infastructure setup. So devolopers do not need to do much to get there games online. Sony decided to leave infastructure up to the devolopers. Which is why many games do not have online because the infastructure has to be setup and paid for by them.
Instead of paying $60 a year maybe something like $2
per game per year. That way you can play the games you want and you save money.
(unless you own more than 30 games which you want to play online for...very unlikely with the PS3)
Peter Vrabel @ Jun 18th 2007 7:47PM
@ GRT
I'd ask how the headline is meant to suggest anything other than the subscription service being a "possibility." Nowhere, at all, does the post contain evidence or proof of a subscription eventuality. But really, if you viewed the video interview, I'd find it hard to believe anyone could argue against such a claim. It's likely a decision Sony has thought of from day one and will continue to evaluate as the PlayStation Network continues to grow.
GRT @ Jun 18th 2007 8:03PM
"I'd ask how the headline is meant to suggest anything other than the subscription service being a "possibility." Nowhere, at all, does the post contain evidence or proof of a subscripti eventuality."
Exactly, you're pretty much proving my point. The headline infers something, and the post contains nothing to back up what the headline infers.
If you're saying that you didn't mean to imply anything by the headline, then why use it? I can see the next NY Times headline now: "Catastrophic Asteroid Crash with Earth a Possibility" and then the article can be about the housing bubble.
I'm not sure how much experience you have interviewing people (as a freelance journalist, I have a fair amount), but the dots you're connecting only form a picture in your mind. CYA statements are very, very common when a company official is talking to the press, and that was absolutely a CYA statement.
To your credit, the Next-Gen article you linked to is just as guilty, putting "Eric Lempel, director of PlayStation Network operations, has said that the company may one day charge for PSN. " in their kicker, which is even twistier than what you've done. (I've written a letter to the editor at that site as well.)
"Although honestly, if you viewed the video interview, I'd find it hard to believe anyone could argue against such a claim. "
I suppose a paranoid mind could make that claim, but that wouldn't mean everyone was out to get them.
I guess what it boils down to is this: Is PS3Fanboy a gossip site, or a news site? If the former, go on talking about 3 headed half-alien babies, and secret plans behind the scenes at Sony. (Although this post didn't seem very PS3 Fanboyish...felt more like something I'd read at 360Fanboy). But if you're trying to be a news site, a bit of due diligence (I find it *very* hard to believe you watched the interview before posting about it.) and basing posts on facts and not idle speculation will go a long way to making it a stronger, respected site.
Peter Vrabel @ Jun 18th 2007 8:07PM
Further clarification, as some have commented at the post's ambiguity or attempt to covertly steer the discussion into a pro-Microsoft environment:
As we all know, very little is free unless there is a catch. Mr. Lempel's response only clarified the PlayStation Network would continue to be free as-is. With the implementation of such features as cross-game invites, voice chat for all games and an achievement point-like system, our viewpoint suggests it would be unlikely to believe the services would continue to be free. Now, assuming that these extra "features" cannot occur without paying more for them, we asked if the decision were to present itself, which side of the fence our viewers would fall on. We're curious as to who in our audience would welcome a pay-based service (like Xbox Live) if it meant guaranteed access to higher quality content and additional features, as mentioned above - versus - those that would prefer the PlayStation Network to continue its free service.
Thanks to all for your feedback. Regardless of what you feel about the integrity of the post, we always welcome your comments. Just keep it clean!
Regards,
Peter
GRT @ Jun 18th 2007 8:16PM
Peter Vrabel: I guess what puzzles me is that Keighley asks the guy, and now I'm paraphrasing "How can you offer all this for free?" and Kempel answers him. He does focus on Home, talking about things end users can buy and hinting at "opportunities for third party partners and other businesses in Home." Before he can go beyond Home, the video cuts to a new question, so we don't know if he said more about non-Home stuff or not.
So I'm not sure there's a lot there to support your viewpoint, unless you know things we don't (which is, of course, possible).
At the same time, I admire you for making that clarification comment, and I'll bow out now so you can get your question to the community answered.
Peter Vrabel @ Jun 18th 2007 8:26PM
@GRT
Thanks for the comments. I thought about the headline's potential in misleading our readers, but I still feel that the headline leads into the opinion we hypothesized; what will happen with the PlayStation Network as these features are implemented? The video was rather softball in its approach and you are spot-on about the focus of Home and its already-talked about "paid content." Yet, hearing the response of "anything can change" from the Sony camp led us to focus on the idea it has probably already occurred - it would behoove the very nature of our blog to not expound on this suggested idea that a paid subscription service is likely coming, and probably in sync with those very features.
As far as our approach, we are a fanboy site that offers engaging opinions; a forum that caters to everything Sony - not news, ala IGN, Gamespot or 1UP. We strive to achieve well-founded hypothesis on current news but we do not "report" the news.
Of course in time, anything can change. ;)
Regards,
Peter
muppetmeth @ Jun 18th 2007 8:40PM
Free plz.
Bangbang... @ Jun 18th 2007 9:57PM
GRT:
Mr. Lempel was asked "and you guys will never charge for online, is that sort of your philosophy, that every thing will be free?"
to which he answers "Right now that's our model, and in time anything could change-but right now thats-we're happy with it consumers like it, and we're happy to offer that."
Notice how he quickly gets off of the anything could change and moves on to it currently being free. Now in the past, the answer to that question has always been "yes PSN will be free". So when the director of PSN operations begins to say that in regards to pricing, any thing could change, that seems to imply that a paid subscription Is a Possibility. There is no spin there, that is what was said.
Hopefully they keep it 100 percent free. Because really thats the PSN only excuse for sucking and the only advantage they have on Microsoft in the online arena.
Joey_Numbers @ Jun 18th 2007 10:25PM
I'd sell my PS3 if they started charging.
massive_98 @ Jun 18th 2007 10:14PM
The PSN doesn't suck. Its awesome and doesn't even have ads. I cannot believe Xbox Live has ads. If you are paying $60 a year for online it should be ad free.
WebMaster @ Jun 18th 2007 10:33PM
@Andir3.0
"Simply saying that charging people is the only way to fix it is the most retarded thing I've read today."
First off, skull, finish the train of thought to its logical conclusion. It's obvious that you haven't the slightest idea of the features and cohesion the xbox live network offers compared to the PSN. Why is there such a disparity? Time for one, Microsoft jumped into this prior to Sony. Forte for another, let's face it MS is the software guru, while Sony excells in hardware. And financial support, MS has a subscriber base to help pay for the service as well as improvements.
I'm a gamer enthusiast, not a head spinning, mouth frothing, corporate whore, such as yourself.
If you think that a company can offer a service for free to compete with another service which has a subscription base to help offset the cost and furthor improvements and upgrades, you're off the deep end.
Mark my words, Sony will eventually charge for their service too. It's business. Personally, I've always felt the "free" service was nothing more then a temporary bullet point to be used against MS until the install base established itself. This really shouldn't come as any surprise when it does happen.
Oh, and get of Peter's case. It's the logical conclusion of watching that vid and it's obvious. The former company line of absolutely free forever service has now officially been hedged.
Who Flang Poo @ Jun 18th 2007 11:32PM
Xbox Live is 50 for 13 months plus you get free subsciption cards in some 360 games. If they did charge for the service they would have to improve it to what xbox live has to offer. As of right now if they left PSN as it was right now and charged for it i would probably just sell my PS3.
Joe @ Jun 20th 2007 1:08AM
PLEASE SONY....NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to have you know that I am not a subscriber to XBL Gold because I have to pay. Sony, if you start charging for PSN, then I gaurantee you are going to lose A LOT of subscribers. Don't do it. Never. Even when you have all the same features as XBL keep it free. That way you will have the advantage. Don't do it!!! DONT!!
Chard @ Jun 19th 2007 12:41AM
If i have to pay for the Ps3 online Network, im selling my Playstation 3 and sticking to gods system, the Sega Dreamcast.
l:x @ Jun 19th 2007 2:16AM
The Free PSN was one of the major reasons I bought the PS3 (my first console I've ever bought).
I hope they are not planning on charging us for it. I suppose the crappy (Belgian) PSN Store will be freely accessible anyways :p
Tom @ Jun 19th 2007 3:01AM
Lower the console price to $400. Improve the online features to match or even exceed XBL, have a free "Basic" account that can be upgraded to a "Premium" account for $50/year. Compete directly with Microsoft, Sony, do it! Be aggressive!
Oh yeah, and release Uncharted: Drake's Fortune already and I'll buy a damn PS3!
Carnie @ Jun 19th 2007 4:10AM
@44
"I'm a gamer enthusiast, not a head spinning, mouth frothing, corporate whore, such as yourself."
LOL well put... I find it amusing that Sony is trying to compete with Xbox Live. I like the way HOME looks and think it is rather entertaining. But with and "Achievement Points System" on the horizon for the PS3 the only thing that comes to mind is this...
"Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery."
It would be nice to see the PSN actually challenge Xbox live, because in the end both sides will win given the fact that both sides want to have the "best" everything...