The rumoured upcoming subscription service which Sony is planning on introducing to the PlayStation Network, would be available in addition to the current free service, Sony has stated.
Plans for the subscription service, which may kick off as early as next year, were unveiled during a presentation by Sony last week. Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai revealed the big news. “SCE will further increase sales by offering users new entertainment through the combination of hardware, software, peripheral and PlayStation Network. Especially in the on–line area, we are studying the possibility of introducing a subscription model, offering premium content and services, in addition to the current free services,” he said.
The plans are part of Sony's strategy to improve revenue, however, Sony estimates the PSN is due to make $563 million USD by the end of March 2010 without this new subscription feature..
PlayStation owners can presently play online and stream videos free of charge, whereas Xbox users must pay £40 for the LIVE service. Sony later released a statement, assuring PSN users that the level of service we have now would remain free of charge.
"We're continually looking at offering new forms of premium content & services, that will further enhance consumers experiences & expectations of the PSN," said Sony. "However, the core offering will continue to remain free."
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