In a discussion about online revenue streams in Nikkei Japan, Sony technology platform boss Masayuki Chatani mentioned the idea of charging for the PlayStation Network. Don't get too up-in-arms, though: If there is a plan for pay-for-play, it isn't public yet. Below are Chatani's words. Parse them as you see fit:

"Servers and the like have running costs... after we sell the hardware, though, we continue to sell products such as content and services. We expect to see considerable growth in digital content, such as game download services, avatar items and the like. We can also accept payment in a growing number of ways."

"In addition to single-payment packaged software, there are also schemes like monthly fees or per-item charges. I think this variety of payment methods will bring about a diverse range of playing methods, too."

This is the second time in the last few months a Sony exec has mentioned fees in conjunction with the PlayStation Network, but as of now, there are no concrete, announced plans.


Personally, I wouldn't mind paying a reasonable monthly fee for the PlayStation Network, provided it could match (or exceed) the Xbox's 360's nearly perfect online system. I'm not holding my breath, to be honest. It seems that Sony's focus is elsewhere, judging by the slap-dash nature of the PlayStation Network.

Don't get me wrong, as it is, PSN is a great service for the price, but if I'm going to be giving out the credit card digits, I want something better. Microsoft has been building that something better for the past several years, and until Sony's service can compete, I'm afraid it's 360 for me.


[Via G4TV]

Posted: Dec 17, 2009 4:00 am