Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Sony to offer paid PSN subscriptions in 2010

Oh boy - this could get very, very interesting in the online battle between Xbox LIVE and PSN.

According to a PDF from a Sony media/investor conference, Sony is calling the Sony Online Service a "revenue stream."

Here's the link to the PDF - http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/IR/info/strategy/pdf/200911presen.pdf

The Sony Online Service, which is first mentioned on page 20 of the PDF, will integrate several devices and offer premium content.

Here are some details on the PDF:

Listed under 5 Key Advantages of PlayStation 3 - PlayStation Network:

*Rich lineup of content (game and nongame - video, comic, etc.)
*Q2 FY2010: release non-game software development kit
*New revenue stream from subscription

The PDF is filled with other juicy morsels of information.

-- M4DSki11z's take: Inevitable. While Kaz Hirai did say that free online play won't be affected, the end of the free console online days are coming to a close. LIVE has proved a network with enough content can generate a steady income. However, Sony realizes it has had record losses and hasn't made a cent off the PS3 and shareholders are screaming for some serious change. This move, while most PS3 and PSP owners may not like it, is a necessary one.

How do you feel? Discuss.

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