Premium PSN Subscription: Well Worth The Investment?
See Full ImageWe've known for a while now that Sony is planning to institute a premium subscription for the PlayStation Network, although we remind you again that the basic service - including full online access for playing games - will remain free.
A recent market survey shows us some of the ideas Sony is currently toying with, and a lot of these features might be very well worth the price of admission. I mean, read what we might be getting for a nominal fee: exclusive in-game content is almost always a bonus, one-hour game trials sounds totally bad-ass, unrestricted access to the inventory of PSP Minis and PS1 classics, and oh yes, you may have noticed the mention of cross-game chat in that survey. However, most will agree that the latter option should come standard with any PSN membership; we really shouldn't have to pay extra for that one. But for the benefit of other rewards and extras, including music sharing, early access to Store content, cloud storage space for games, loyalty program rewards, and even Netflix access without the currently required disc...well, it could very well make our PSN experience that much better. The cost? Well, they're looking at three subscription models, starting at $29.99/year and ending with the top option at $69.99/year.
You know, this could really separate the PSN from Xbox Live, which already forces you to pay for a variety of options and features that aren't anywhere near as intriguing, in my opinion. We're hoping to see some official news on these Sony premium subscriptions some time very soon...
12/21/2009 8:54:24 PM John Shepard
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Comments (121 posts)
newchef
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:35:33 PM
4 up, 10 down
gumbi
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 8:10:54 AM
shudder...
10 up, 2 down
fluffer nutter
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 11:17:12 AM
1 up, 0 down
fluffer nutter
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:55:59 PM
0 up, 0 down
JAMES M
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 3:22:55 PM
0 up, 0 down
Doosharm
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:00:27 PM
Reply
Unrestricted as in free? If so that's pretty awesome. At the rate they're putting out the PS1 classics I can see this being a huge money saver. Add in the other bonuses and I think $70 is a pretty fair price. That's less than $6 a month people. Just go to McDonald's one less time a month and you can afford it.
7 up, 1 down
godsman
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 11:18:38 PM
0 up, 0 down
englishgolfer
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 3:45:14 AM
0 up, 0 down
Titch1794
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 4:21:21 AM
Wheres my 'Croc 2', 'Tekken: 1, 2, 3' and 'Spyro 2', I know USA have it :@.
0 up, 0 down
Banky A
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 2:20:27 PM
I just love the Disney atmosphere ;)
1 up, 1 down
JcBball717
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:06:56 PM
Reply
5 up, 4 down
Highlander
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:14:20 PM
Last edited by Highlander on 12/21/2009 10:14:31 PM
15 up, 1 down
hellish_devil
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:22:38 PM
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:13:40 PM
Reply
Cloud storage is something I like the sound of. Something that was mentioned before was access to the PlayStation Stores in other regions. I think this would be worth the price of admission.
I personally don't have a problem with them making people pay for cross game chat since it's not something I care about at all, on the other hand, it's not something that should be charged for.
I like the extended game trials and early access, they sound like good ideas, it almost sounds like a premium version of Qore.
So long as the current features of the PSN that are free always remain free I think people will be OK. The new premium service must be an actual service or additional content (or extra access to content), as these are not simply firmware features but actual products or services that are provided as extra. It needs to be marketed under a name that ensures it is not confused with PSN, after all PSN is free for all, so the new services bundle needs to have a name that conveys that it's new, additional, premium access. Perhaps it's time for the PlayStation Nation to get a name?
4 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:19:17 PM
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:52:31 PM
2 up, 0 down
Wage SLAVES
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 2:32:18 AM
2 up, 1 down
Dridion
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 3:24:36 AM
I herd over at IGN that Sony filed a new patent called Qriocity. They want to keep the whole "Q" thing going like Qore and Qrio <whatever the hell Qrio is>. So that might be the services name.
1 up, 0 down
Titch1794
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 4:29:30 AM
If you put 'Qriocity' into google the headings of the web pages are all about Sony.
Good call Didrion.
Last edited by Titch1794 on 12/22/2009 4:30:15 AM
2 up, 0 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 10:33:07 AM
0 up, 0 down
Banky A
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 @ 12:22:08 AM
0 up, 0 down
Dridion
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 @ 6:22:30 AM
1 up, 0 down
Swavey
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:18:17 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Thursday, December 24, 2009 @ 4:54:45 PM
I think this is Sony doing it as a double meaning(like a play on words) because if you say it out loud it actually come out as.....
"curiosity"
0 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:21:01 PM
Reply
Last edited by Jawknee on 12/21/2009 10:21:29 PM
4 up, 0 down
kevinater321
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:27:19 PM
Reply
0 up, 1 down
kevinater321
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:32:16 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
Gone
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:38:11 PM
Reply
Sony has increased the price of repairs on the launch consoles to $179.
1 up, 0 down
Highlander
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:55:06 PM
2 up, 0 down
godsman
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 11:28:11 PM
2 up, 0 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:34:30 AM
5 up, 0 down
phade2blaq
Friday, December 25, 2009 @ 12:45:36 PM
I've ahd them all and I've had to send them to Sony for repairs multiple times !
I can't ever recall having to send my Nintendo SNES, N64, GAMECUBE, Wii, Sega Dreamcast, Saturn, or XBOX for repairs !
I've sent my PS3 3 times to Sony for the same exact issue, it stopped reading discs ! Same issues I had with the PS1 and PS2 coupled with them overheating !
0 up, 0 down
OtisFeelgood
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:39:26 PM
Reply
3 up, 1 down
BTNwarrior
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:40:17 PM
Reply
5 up, 0 down
Highlander
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 10:55:53 PM
3 up, 1 down
godsman
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 11:16:36 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
godsman
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 11:26:01 PM
Reply
2 up, 1 down
___________
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 11:28:33 PM
Reply
saw that table a few days ago and while the stuff there i like and would pay for, but 70 FREAKING BUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the SDF have been teasing the xbots that there paying 50 bucks, so this will be interesting how they try to defend that.
70 bucks?
GO JUMP!
and to add insult to injury 50 bucks on XBLA gets you everything and anything.
but with that table for the PSN no matter which category you choose your missing out on something.
cant find the table otherwise i would link it, but no matter which subscription you choose your missing out on 1 if not several features.
so let me get this straight.
im suppose to pay 70 bucks, 20 bucks more than XBLA, and still miss out on some of the features?
yyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaa
good luck with that your gona need it!
they should of made it 3 subscription fees.
1 20 bucks with limited access, 1 40 with most and another 70 with FULL.
or something like that, no one is going to pay 70 bucks and still miss out on a few things.
thats USD to i think, so convert that to AUD i could buy a whole freaking game for that price.
no thanks!
2 up, 5 down
Highlander
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 11:44:00 PM
You're making a false comparison. The PSN already in it's current form gives 95% of what XBL gives, only it's free. Sony is talking about additional services and enhanced access to content for a fee, nothing else.
Honestly, It almost seems as though you are deliberately mis-understanding this. Are you trying to play the Devil's Advocate?
8 up, 0 down
godsman
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:05:23 AM
0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:41:19 AM
Furthermore, it's not like it's $70/month. It's per YEAR. You can't afford $8 per month?
2 up, 1 down
bigrailer19
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:53:41 AM
its either that 8 bucks or dlc for a game most months! i dont know im a little upset about this whole having to pay for this stuff... live, has access to a shi* ton more xbox games that PSN has towards PS1 games. but really Sony has been all about free. i know theres a line where they have to start charging but to spring this on people after free service since the PS2 days isnt right in my opinion.
To make it fair honestly they should give every current Playstation owner atleast 2 months months free kind of as a trial. Shoudl be something like that for new owners as well. With the PSN being free and 2 months of the premium service free could push a system also. Thats just my thoughts ill be happy if Sony rewards current owners with that atleast.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 12/22/2009 12:54:38 AM
4 up, 2 down
___________
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 6:06:56 AM
no ben i cant.
im already spending 120 bucks a week on a game, sometimes i buy up to 3 games a week in busy months like october when uncharted 2 came out i bought that, brutal legend and opp DR on the same day.
360 bucks gone in one week.
if im paying 70 bucks a year i should have access to EVERYTHING! not a little of this, a little of that and forget that.
as i said they should have 3 subscriptions.
1 with little but the cheapest, one with most for a little more, and one that gives you everything.
if sony thinks im paying 70 bucks a year and still have to pay more to access and do whatever i want on the PSN they have another thing coming.
O and why pay for PS1 classics when you can get them for free?
ive got all my old PS1 titles sitting in the closet.
just download a CD ripper, convert it into the proper files and you can play it on my PSP.
or just use the disk for my ps3.
Last edited by ___________ on 12/22/2009 6:08:28 AM
1 up, 3 down
elguito
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 2:33:25 PM
2 up, 0 down
Qubex
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:05:52 AM
Reply
I feel this subscription model will vary hugely from region to region... doesn't make business sense of course. In the Singapore store I still cannot purchase Braid or Trine; I have to do that via the US store.
Q!
"i am home"
0 up, 0 down
jaybiv
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:10:02 AM
Reply
Sony has no clue what they are doing so they are floating these "ideas" around to see what will stick. Their biggest selling point has them in a corner, while MS continues to rack of extra scratch for XBL. Sony wants some of that dough, but how will they be able to get it from us? Just because customers tell you what they want in a subscription service, doesn't mean they will pay for it; and if they do, they may not pay for long, especially when the free stuff (mostly online gaming) is what makes XBL valueable to their users.
I will say that all the services listed, the cloud storage make sense to me. It would be cost-prohibitive for Sony to absorb all the costs of providing this service free to all. And as a gamer who would love to do more gaming with friends on the road, I would like to be able to play using my profile on my friend's system. I'm not sure if I would pay $70 per year for that though.
0 up, 4 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 10:36:03 AM
4 up, 0 down
jaybiv
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 11:32:24 AM
Sony is not using it in this way. It is trying to gauge what they can charge us for without having the slighest clue as to what we want. They are walking into this blind as almighty.
All they have to do is take a quick peek at their forums and they would know what is most important for customers.
0 up, 2 down
randomname
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:16:13 AM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
LittleBigMidget
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:22:02 AM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Rhys Keyne
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:24:14 AM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:44:14 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
BG_921
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 1:08:43 AM
Reply
4 up, 0 down
bigrailer19
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 2:33:37 AM
In my current situation i can not afford $8 a month. sure its only $8 bucks but that $8 bucks buys me 2 gallons a milk in that month actually 4 gallons to be exact! yeah i go thoruhg milk!
Point is the PSN is so excellent because its free and Sony gains a lot of respect for that!
2 up, 0 down
BG_921
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 3:47:31 AM
1 up, 0 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 10:42:19 AM
When you're eating MacDonalds and someone else is enjoying their all you can eat fillet minion at Texas De Brazil, do you hammer Texas De Brazil for Charging a premium over McDonalds?
Hell, even better, when you're sitting there with your double cheeseburger meal, do you look enviously at the additional piece of bread, lettuce and special sauce in the Big Mac and then loudly proclaim that McDonalds is denying you the full Big Mac experience by charging more for the additional items that separate your basic double cheese burger from the premium Big Mac?
I'm not meaning to be inflammatory, I'm just taking the gist of what you said and applying it elsewhere. Sony is under no obligation to provide paid content to everyone for free, so if it's paid content, what's wrong with offering different payment structures and packages to access the paid content?
2 up, 1 down
HeXeN
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 1:17:24 AM
Reply
1 up, 2 down
Gabriel013
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 1:23:07 AM
Reply
Those things listed are not worth $70 per year.
I'm really surprised that Sony are going the Microsoft route rather than just charging a nominal fee for the whole lot.
I'd bet that the $30 option includes just the one or two weakest functions.
2 up, 1 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 2:05:37 AM
4 up, 3 down
johnld
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 3:20:02 AM
5 up, 3 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:22:22 PM
Read the articles. They are NOT charging for online multiplayer gaming. They will not charge for it, all currently free features and services remain free.
3 up, 1 down
Fane1024
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 5:13:34 PM
I think john was responding to what Gabriel said.
Last edited by Fane1024 on 12/22/2009 5:14:19 PM
0 up, 0 down
Deleted User
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 1:31:43 AM
Reply
However, if this only allows you to PLAY the PS1 games and doesnt allow you to KEEP the games, then I would not want it.
Now as for the issue of paying 8 dollars a month..... If you pay 15 bucks a month for a mmo, ANY kind of mmo, you pay 45 a month for cable, THEN you pay 8 bucks a month for the service, NOT INCLUDING ANY GAMES YOU BUY FOR THE PS3 and HOME stuff, then all that adds up quickly. I got better things to spend all that money on.
End of Line.
5 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 1:42:52 AM
Reply
1. 69.99 a year - or - pay 9.99 a month
2. 29.99 a year - or - pay 4.99 a month
My thinking is that no matter what Sony does, needs to keep the total price well below MS Live's price-point(just for bragging rights alone).
I really don't like the premium fee idea at all, but if Sony does go ahead with it(as I'm most sure they will do), then my vote for any premium fee would ONLY be for a 29.99 a year or 4.99 a month deal.
(and that's only if they include EVERY SINGLE THING listed in the charts).
Last edited by BikerSaint on 12/22/2009 1:48:11 AM
3 up, 0 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 2:07:49 AM
Reply
4 up, 2 down
LowKey
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 4:28:27 AM
1 up, 1 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 10:44:28 AM
5 up, 2 down
Fane1024
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 5:24:00 PM
They floated the idea to get a response. People are responding to the idea.
I for one will never pay a monthly fee, no matter how much supposedly comes with it. The only way I'd even consider the idea would be if I were guaranteed to get at least twice the cost of the subscription in things I would have otherwise certainly bought (e.g. $100 worth of free PSN games for a $50 yearly fee).
Otherwise, I'd prefer to stay a la carte, even if it costs me a little more over the long run. I have no objection to that sort of plan, though.
However, if they withhold cross-game chat (or other features that should be universal) in order to strongarm people into buying the premium service, they should be ashamed of themselves. That's not the Sony I know.
It only does everything...providing you pay extra.
Last edited by Fane1024 on 12/22/2009 5:25:10 PM
2 up, 0 down
LowKey
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 5:29:18 PM
0 up, 1 down
LowKey
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 3:12:04 AM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
OverlordZero
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 4:31:30 AM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
OverlordZero
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 6:37:19 AM
0 up, 0 down
daizycutter
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 6:28:59 AM
Reply
3 up, 3 down
LowKey
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 7:28:42 AM
4 up, 1 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 10:45:52 AM
Indeed. Perhaps a short soundbite that plays when the article is opened stating clearly that present services that are free remain free, including playing online for free.
4 up, 1 down
JackC8
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 7:20:24 AM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Beamboom
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 8:09:38 AM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
gumbi
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 8:14:21 AM
Reply
The only thing that will miff me is exclusive game content... cuz I'll be automatically missing out on it since I will NOT pay extra for PSN... ever. Instead of exclusive game content how bout make it free to subscribers and available on the store for non subscribers, at least then we're not left in dark.
0 up, 0 down
rogers71
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 8:30:54 AM
Reply
They have said that they will keep playing online free but if everyone bucks the idea for premium service and Sony doesn't see the return they thought they would see. Well, I could see Sony eventually making you pay to play online. That will be a sad day indeed.
3 up, 0 down
OEice
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 8:34:29 AM
Reply
Although I would only get the 30$ one, the other ones are great for people who use the PSstore alot.
I only want the Cross-Game Chat, so for me, the other things such as the 1 hour trials and User-to-user Challanges are a great bonus :)
0 up, 1 down
Buckeyestar
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 8:58:29 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
Ricochet
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 9:29:34 AM
Reply
Well worth the $70 a year since many of the games ranges from $5.99 to $9.99 and I all of them are awesome.
0 up, 1 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 10:46:52 AM
1 up, 1 down
NeoHumpty
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 9:59:39 AM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
jerocarson
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 10:23:11 AM
Reply
Sony is No charity Organization.
Thank you!
2 up, 2 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 10:58:16 AM
Reply
And you know, I just have to say...if you can't scrounge up eight bucks a month, you're either not working or you need some SERIOUS help handling your budgeting and finances.
7 up, 4 down
BG_921
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 11:25:20 AM
11 up, 1 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:24:14 PM
@BG_921
And? No one said that these additional premium services are mandatory. Nor did anyone tell us we're all entitled to the additional services and content for free, but now we have to pay. All they said is that what's currently free remains free and that they are considering some premium access to certain PAID content and NEW services.
Ben's point I think was that if you're currently a PS3 gamer and actively buying games then you should be able to afford this new service. Of course he's not dis-respecting those who are out of work or on a tight budget, but come on, if someone is out there buying a new game every month or two, they can afford this, they just have to make a decision as to which is their priority. That is, I think, the point he was making.
Last edited by Highlander on 12/22/2009 12:28:17 PM
4 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:33:41 PM
I remember having no money. I remember surviving on about $500/month (in CT, where everything is more expensive than you can probably imagine, if you're elsewhere). People on WELFARE can afford $8/month. It's just a ridiculous assertion that it's unaffordable, regardless of your situation.
4 up, 3 down
BG_921
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 2:01:32 PM
4 up, 3 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 3:05:04 PM
There's a whole lot of things that don't seem right. $8/month is just fine for 99% of this country's population, and that's that.
4 up, 0 down
jaybiv
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 11:47:07 AM
Reply
Their new tagline, "it does everything" would no longer apply for those without the subscription service because they will not have access to everything.
Why are some of you blaming the consumer and labeling the reluctant as cheap? Sony is in business to make money and it's not our faults they did not fully flesh out their PS3 business plan before launching the product. They chose "free online" as a way to differentiate themselves from the Xbox, and they did.
Consumers are being nickeled and dimed on every product we purchase. Sure, some of you live high on the hog right now and can afford it, but wealth can be taken from you in an instant. This I know first hand.
The bottom line, and I alluded to this in my earlier post, the video game industry will continue to find ways to get our money until we stand up in a united front and tell them NO! But we as a whole won't do that because video games is an emotional purchase. We buy games based on our feelings for developers, publisher and what not.
I love playing video games as much as the next guy. Heck, I've been playing them since the home pong games in the mid-70's and have played nearly EVERY system sold in the U.S. But I don't feel some sort of need to "tip" Sony or any gaming company for their service/game.
If this subscription is similar to Qore, where buyers get access to content and demos, I could care less. But if this services includes new features with the exception of cloud storage, then that would be foul. JMHO
1 up, 6 down
fluffer nutter
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:25:16 PM
Now, your comment about the "It only does everything" losing value is incorrect. Charging for a service doesn't mean that the PS3 cannot do everything. It will only do what you are willing to pay for. If you don't have a Bluetooth headset for online gaming, then does that mean that "It only does everything" is false? Surely, by your account it is.
How are consumers being nickled and dimed? I understand that many people are against DLC but do you really have to purchase those things? Believe it or not, there are plenty of users out there who do not even have their PS3's connected to the internet. I don't think they're being nickled and dimed. If you don't want something, don't purchase it. It really is that simple.
Look at every other industry out there. Food. Restaurants and fast food chains offer tiered items. You can go ala carte or order sides. Hit up a burger joint and you have the option of increasing the size of your additional items. Car manufacturers work in the same manner. Buy a base model and you get a stripped down, affordable model for entry level consumers. You want the sport suspension, upgraded interior, more powerful engine, premium sound, then by all means, go for it. I know that some of you will want to chime in and state that luxury car base models will have more than just stripped down options and you are correct but look at what you're talking about. A luxury car that is not a necessity.
The premium content, that Sony will be offering, is part of a luxury service for those that want it. We know it's not for everyone because it is impossible to please everyone. I'm sure that many of you are reading this in disagreement and that's fine. Not everyone can look at it from both angles and just walk away from something that we don't want to purchase.
What is wrong with giving consumers options? The more choices we have, the more influence we have. You want to rally against this? Then do it in the right manner and design your petitions so that they can be taken seriously but do it with an open mind to be able to understand why this is good or bad and why people would reject it, with good intentions, or go full-fledged.
3 up, 1 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:29:02 PM
5 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:37:04 PM
I'm sorry, but all of that isn't really logical; it's illogical bitterness. Like I said before, I had no money for quite some time. Years, in fact. I remember the bitterness and believing that everything cost an inordinate amount of money. But in the end, if we can manage to be objective, nothing about gaming is more of a "nickel and dime" process than any other entertainment venue on earth. Do the research yourself and you'll understand what I mean.
Trust me, there's a vast difference in how we see things depending on how much money we have. Don't let it cloud the facts.
7 up, 2 down
jaybiv
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 1:01:22 PM
1) Sony is trying to get back what they gave away. They had a chance at launch to institute a subscription service. They thought by going free it would force MS to do that same and they didn't. Now Sony is trying to get in the game. So they gave away the chance to create a subscription service and is now trying to get it back. Again, if they bundle content and betas then it's no biggie. But to give premium users access to special system features would be wrong. It has never happened on the PS3 to this point so they would be taking away from gamers.
2) American consumers are nickeld and dimed. What the new marketing agenda for many companies? Bundling. Bundle this and bundle that. Why? Look at cell phones. You got phone service, text/mms, video, and now applications. Cable or satellite television. MP3 players. Every where a consumer goes, we are being nickeld and dimed after the initial purchase every where we shop.
I'm not anti-big business, not in the least. Instead of labeling people as cheap, take a look at what corporate greed is all about. We are only dollar signs to Sony, AT&T, Verizon, the NFL, etc. Everyday they are conjuring up new ways to take your money without caring about what they sell you.
Again, if Sony wants to bundle content (videos, games and betas) I couldn't care less. They would be offering added value.
Now, if Sony is looking to add system features, which have been free since the system's launch, for a fee, then that would be wrong in my opinion. Sony set the expection at launch and should honor their business decision.
If they launch a PS4 and have a subscription service for features, then that is ok too because the expectation would have been set at launch.
It's funny how MS has a subscription service to play games online when they were the ones who gave away their Internet Explorer browser for free when Netscape was charging customers for what once the dominant browser on the market.
I'm not going to get mad or bitter with whatever Sony comes up with. If it doesn't move me, I won't buy. I'm just giving my thoughts on the topic.
2 up, 6 down
fluffer nutter
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:10:59 PM
Reply
If Sony do plan on making things expire when you are no longer paying for your service, then I think that they should do a one month trial for a very nominal fee. Imagine if they said, "Sign up for one month for only $4.99 and have complete access to what you would have with the premium tier service." Let the people taste what they can have and if they still don't like it, then after the month, they can be back to what they already had because they obviously wouldn't miss what they really didn't want.
I see TheHighlander, Ben and many others replying and defending the paid subscription and with good reason but we all know that some people will ALWAYS complain if they are charged for things instead of being paid to do them. It's as if they have been wronged for being consumers and they have a right to everything for free.
5 up, 2 down
Highlander
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:33:48 PM
Sadly I think this comments section (and the one recently discussing game piracy) is a case of the culture of entitlement strikes again.
6 up, 1 down
jaybiv
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:38:11 PM
And it is Sony's fault because they CHOSE to undercut the 360 by offering their online services for free. Had Sony offered even a token subscription service at launch, then this would be a moot point. They didn't and now they run the risk of ticking off a lot of people depending on how this subscription service shakes out.
If this premium service is a more robust Qore, I couldn't care less. But if Sony is going to give premium users special system features, again with the exception of cloud storage--I see this more of a luxury that would bring a sustained cost to Sony, then it would be a problem.
Since Nov. 17, 2006, Sony has been busy building its PS3 online and features infrastructure to catch up to its main competitor. The firmware updates were applied across the board to EVERY PS3 owner. Now to have a situation where some owners get system features, let's take in-game chat for example, would not be right.
As much as consumers can't expect everything to be free, companies cannot expect to charge customers for everything. Just as consumer have a choice to buy a system, Sony has the choice to make a system. They chose to make a system with free online and system offerings.
Look at it this way, how would you feel if your favorite restaurant started charging you for water? Or gas stations added surcharges to use the nozzle to pump your gas?
0 up, 4 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:54:32 PM
Restaurants didn't always charge for water and some still don't. But they also didn't charge for a wedge of lemon, and now they do. They didn't offer bottled water, for which they can charge for and now, some ONLY offer bottled water. I.e., you can't even get water without paying for it.
You think the music industry doesn't do this? You think movies don't do this? The industry that charges three times more for a ticket than it did 25 years ago, and yet, most all theaters still use that same 25-year-old technology with the same freakin' seats and same crappy sound?
You think your cable company isn't going to charge you for adding new channels and new services? They'll just slip it in all stealthily like in your next bill and unless you complain, you might not be able to get rid of it.
You think structural changes in your insurance (health, auto, etc.) policies won't alter how much you have to pay? No, you didn't do anything different but your monthly payment has changed for the worse.
These things HAPPEN, my friend. It's called...the world.
8 up, 2 down
jaybiv
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 1:07:29 PM
As for your music and movie comparison, that is why more and more people are going online and downloading the content for free.
If corporate America took more time to be upfront and honest with consumers, then maybe folks would be more willing to buy into their product offerings without expecting the world for pennies on the dollar.
Companies cannot have it both ways, something that consumers have always known.
2 up, 6 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 3:11:30 PM
My family has owned their own business for 27 years. I and many other members of the family are self-employed. Maybe you're not aware what this entails (far more hours spent at work than anyone else, 15% self-employment tax that goes on TOP of income tax, quarterly taxes, a never-ending battle against liberal-minded idiot labor boards, etc.), but I suggest not complaining about "corporate America" when many of the people you're accusing of not being sensitive to the "average joe" are under more stress than you've ever wanted to imagine.
The entire world is looking for handouts, in my opinion. Nothing is anyone's fault and the phrases, "it wasn't my fault" and "that's not my job" need to die. Those who wish to progress don't complain; they do. I'm not saying you're one of these people, I'm saying that not everyone in business is a multi-million-dollar CEO. In fact, 99.9% aren't. 40,000 new businesses are forced to close their doors each year. The ones that don't, you apparently don't like because they make money.
The bottom line is that to complain like this accuses the consumer of being retarded. It says they all pay for things they don't want. As far as I can see, nothing here is mandatory. It's all optional and if people pay for it, how exactly is the business at fault...?
6 up, 0 down
SvenMD
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 3:33:09 PM
1 up, 1 down
godsman
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 12:49:42 PM
Reply
I'm not a hardcore gamer, I am happy with all the current free stuff. The PS1 titles will never be free, so paying a fee to get access to them is reasonable.
Stuff like the 1 hour trial is a bit crazy. It's nothing more than a demo, except that in demos, they select the best scenes of the game for you to try. Imagine playing an RPG, but spending the 1st trial hour just to setup the character names and watching the opening scene... then (to be continued)
3 up, 1 down
maxpontiac
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 1:53:15 PM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
Banky A
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 2:23:01 PM
Reply
Quite an uproar?
0 up, 0 down
Clamedeus
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 2:57:23 PM
Reply
I hope Cross-Game chat and other firmware updates like that will remain free.
3 up, 0 down
Arvis
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 3:35:31 PM
Reply
-Arvis
4 up, 0 down
rogers71
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 3:52:57 PM
Reply
You guys are wasting your breath trying to explain your argument. There are just some people that aren't happy unless they are complaining.
Perfect example..my last job gave everyone a significant raise a couple of years back. The percentage they gave turned out where almost everyone got a 99 cent raise. Amazing right? There were still people calling the company cheap..their reasoning..they should have given everyone a penny more and made it a 1.00 raise.
I agree with everything you guys are stating. I said before that I would not pay for a premium service. That is my choice. I am not mad that Sony is going this route and it doesn't undermine their stance towards online play being free. I'm out!
5 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 4:47:34 PM
6 up, 0 down
sha4dowknight05
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 5:53:46 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
LowKey
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 6:16:15 PM
Reply
2 up, 0 down
NeoHumpty
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 9:52:44 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
just2skillf00l
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 @ 10:46:44 PM
Reply
2 up, 2 down
S8N_666
Thursday, December 24, 2009 @ 10:22:08 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
phade2blaq
Friday, December 25, 2009 @ 12:38:32 PM
Reply
With that $69.99 package I hope it includes a free one time repair for the faulty PS3 systems Sony still sells !
I've owned a PS1, PS2 and I have a 60GB PS3 ! I've spent more time sending my consoles to Sony's repair center than I have playing them !
Come on Sony you're going to charge for cross-game chatting ! That's absurd !
Last edited by phade2blaq on 12/25/2009 12:39:49 PM
0 up, 0 down
Charger7302
Reply
Monday, December 21, 2009 @ 9:39:06 PM