Sony 'actively thinking' about PSN access fee
Time to cough up?
The possibility that PlayStation owners could be forced to pay for access the console’s online network has reared its ugly head again, following comments by a Sony executive.
In a recent interview, Peter Dille, Senior VP of marketing and PlayStation Network at Sony Computer Entertainment America, admitted that the company is still considering implementing a PSN access fee.
Charging gamers to access PSN is “something that we're actively thinking about”, Dille told gaming website IGN.
Sony boss Kaz Hirai has talked about the possibility of a PSN access fee in the past.
The PSN is described as “a free-to-access interactive environment where you can play online games, chat to friends and family around the world and surf the web”. Charges apply for some content.
Some areas of Xbox Live charge a fee
Access to Microsoft’s rival online service, Xbox Live, is free, though gamers must buy a Gold membership pass to access premium content and services.
Dille stated that he had “no announcements at this point in time” to make regarding possible implementation of a PSN access fee. ®
COMMENTS
Nobody is interested in titles on theregister
What uninformed drivel.
They can move the 'goalposts', as you call them, if they wish. There is no contract stating a service that was once free must always remain free.
If they do start to charge, they may have some angry PS3 online access owners on their hands, but I'm sure plenty would pay up to make it worthwhile. They can do it, but may not.
But they have also said that online gaming would stay free
The premium service will not be required to play online games, that is a huge difference compared to Xbox live
Sorry to kill your fanboy baited story..
but it's already been determined that what PS3 owners get today for free (i.e. PSN, Online gaming, chat etc) will ALWAYS remain free. The charges relate to ADDITIONAL STUFF (yet to be announced, but rumoured to be PSN based game subscription service, "LoveFilm for games")
Even IF Sony tried to start charging for PSN access and online gaming (which they have said numerous times they aren't), every single PS3 owner would be fully entitled to a full refund of their PS3 purchase price, as clearly Sony would be changing the product/moving the goalposts. That simply isn't going to happen.
http://www.gamersireland.ie/?p=1047
