PSN premium paid subscription service coming in 2010. Online play, Netflix, other current services to remain free
Sony is going to offer a paid, premium PlayStation Network subscription service in 2010, announced the publisher at an investor conference.
This is a big deal because Sony’s online service with the PlayStation 3 has always remained free (with paid content coming in the form of certain DLC for specific games or for video rentals/purchases) and is thus one of the system’s biggest selling points when compared to the Xbox 360. Whose online service costs $50 a year for a Gold membership that allows you to play games with others online and access other features.
The reason for this shift is Sony’s determination to make its videogames business profitable by next year. And they have realized how much money they COULD be getting that they aren’t currently.
Don’t be too worried though, Sony understands that they’re consumers would be outraged if the online play was subscription-based, thus all of the PS3’s current services will remain free, with the premium subscription model of additional services laid overtop for those willing to shell out the extra cash (pricing wasn’t disclosed).
“Current services” include online play and all that the PlayStation Network currently entails, Netflix movie streaming, PlayStation Home, Facebook integration, etc.
“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.” (Emphasis added.)
This will build on the profitability that Sony is already seeing revenue-wise, as the current fiscal year that ends on March 31, 2010 is expected to earn Sony in the league of $563 million dollars, which is a threefold increase over last year.
Via GameSpot
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