Last month, the internet was abuzz with the news that Sony is thinking about charging for its online service, PlayStation Network. Kaz Hirai, however, was quick to the forefront in announcing that all of the current amenities offered on the Network would continue to be free, but upcoming features may require a subscription.
It seems plausible that Hirai is talking about the ability to have premium avatars or things of that nature, but recent comments from Masayuki Chatani has brought back the murmurs of a monthly subscription plan similar to Xbox Live.
“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.”
I don’t have a problem with this so long as the ability to play online with your friends is still free to all. If they change that formula at all, I think the company can expect quite the backlash.
What do you guys think?