Sony’s already told us that they have premium subscriptions planned for PlayStation Network. While everything we have already would be kept for free, such as online gaming, newer features would be added for a monthly or yearly fee. Today, a survey sent out by the IPSOS Online Research group hints at some of the newer features Sony would offer to those who subscribe.
The question on the survey reads:
Sony is considering offering a premium PlayStation Network subscription in the future. The subscription offering would provide new premium features you could choose to pay for and are in addition to the features currently available for free such as access to online multiplayer gaming (current features would remain free).
Following the question, Sony lists four options for an online subscription offering users features such as Token Wagering (a number of tokens are given to a subscriber per month for use on PlayStation Network content like downloadable games), Cloud Storage for Games (allows players to save their entire games online instead of on their hard-drive), an online music service, Hulu TV catch-ups and more.
One of the listed features for premium is Cross-Game Chat, which I seriously doubt any user would pay for as it’s been demanded for what feels like ages now. Plus, it’s a pretty standard feature in an online platform. Plus, it’d be quite annoying trying to chat with someone who doesn’t have cross-game chat, only discovering that you can’t use the feature because none of your friends are paying.
We’ve attached the chart below. Click to embiggen. For comparison’s sake, the highest yearly subscription option comes in at $69.99 and the lowest $9.99. Xbox LIVE Gold members pay $49.99 a year.
Survey: Sony Considering Premium PlayStation Network Subscriptions [Kotaku]
Now that Sony’s released a list it clears up a lot. I had a feeling cross-game chat would be in there. It was taking too long for them not have that ready to go.
Even though you’ll have to pay to use Netflix I like the fact that PS3 owners can still watch with the disc. Not so on the 360. It’s either XBL Gold or nothing (unless MS releases a DVD but I doubt that’ll happen).
The pressure’s on Sony however to make sure that the extra services are something really cool and match up with XBL. Otherwise people will be pissed that they’re paying this extra money for nothing.
My only concern is having different packages. I think they should stick with one price point and one package. You’ll then start judging features and whether they’re worth the extra $5 or $10 more per month or if people will downgrade their service if they feel like Package #2 isn’t worth it since they get most of what they need with Package #1. It could get messy.
Me, I’m pretty sure I’ll sign up and go for the most expensive package just so I don’t miss anything.
Having a Premium PSN is stupid! Sony what the hell are you doing?
This is just great. I live in Australia and STILL we don’t have the PSN cards to buy. I am sick of waiting and now they start making us pay for other stuff. Thanks Sony.