1160°

Playstation Network Premium Confirmed

GameSpot Writes: "Kaz Hirai confirms premium level will be added on top of PS3 and PSP's online service, which will remain free to play online; PSN revenue expected to hit $563 million this fiscal year."

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gamespot.com
dktxx25268d ago

Keep online gameplay 100% free, just do that and you could do whatever the hell u want.

Darkfocus5268d ago (Edited 5268d ago )

as long as they don't charge for anything we already get for free right now I'm all for it.

Edit:fishing for some bubbles there Last Place Console? Get lost everyone knows your a troll I thought you were banned to the open zone.

Jamescagney5268d ago

Yeah totally agree, as long as you can continue to play online for nothing I'm happy. If they put restrictions in place to force you to pay extra, then that would be a very bad move.

5268d ago
orakga5268d ago

Yeah, as long as the premium only applies to CONTENT (i.e. videos, downloadables, themes, etc), then I don't see an issue with this.

But if they fold Cross-game voicechat into the paid service, I swear I'm going to flip. Let's just hope the morons don't do something THAT stupid, but you never know... Sony's been pretty stupid about many things over the past few years...

EpicGamerSwordsman5268d ago

you fail to realize that psn is on par with LIVE. check your calender.. where in 2009 now.

Elvfam5115268d ago

"Sony fail much?
Psn will never be as good as live."

ActionBastard5268d ago

Agreed. From what they've said, everything you currently enjoy for free, will remain free (Netflix, online MP, etc). With cross-game chat being spoken about prior to this news even surfacing, it's a safe bet that it won't be "premium content". Just b/c 360 owners a dumb enough to consider chat and online MP "premium", doesn't mean Sony (or the PC community) does. That alone is WIN.

5268d ago
Jamegohanssj55268d ago

If it's like 30 bucks a year for like free netflix streaming, renting video's, and maybe like 2 to 3 games to download a month stuff I don't care aboot, then I'll be fine with it.

TGSI

bruddahmanmatt5268d ago

It really depends on what Sony does and does not decide to make exclusvie paid for content. My hope is that the paid for content will essentially be what Qore subscribers currently have access to which I think is more than fair. PSN will remain free to the casual gamer but for the hardcore folks who don't want to be forced into pre-ordering a title at LAMEstop just for a beta code perhaps PSP Premium is the way to go for them. I'm sure more than a handful of Qore subscribers would be more than happy to convert their Qore memberships into PSN Premium subscriptions. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if this new PSN Premium membership is simply Qore under a new name.

For me, so long as Sony doesn't remove any features currently available for free on PSN I think most folks won't have any problems with this optional subscription service. Any extra content that they offer for a fee is simply icing on the cake IMO. I know a lot of folks who would be more than willing to pay $5 a month for a beta code rather than having to hunt one down and with the number of hot PS3 titles on deck for next year, you can bet your ass that there'll be a heck of a lot of betas folks will be trying to get into come 2010. I'm definitely not in favor of having to pay to get online (read: Live) but giving players the option to pay for beta codes, early access and maybe a dash of exclusive content here and there is more than fair IMO.

deadreckoning6665268d ago (Edited 5268d ago )

I TOLD u guys back in September that this was gunna happen. No one believed me lol. I can't wait till this service pops up. Look wat Sony is doing for free. Imagine what they can do with a subscription service! Im so happy =D

This service will determine who are the cheapos and who are the TRUE Sony loyalists!

Darkfocus5268d ago (Edited 5268d ago )

"Why so many of you disagree?
You know i'm right look at facebook, marketplace>ps store, video sotre.

You are all such blind stupid fanboys, go pull your head out of your arse and look what Live has to offer."

what live offers
-Retarded kids like you
-A place for Saps to waste their money
-5 year olds

of course I'm basing these deductions entirely on people like you and Last Place console

KillerPwned5268d ago (Edited 5268d ago )

Marcus your a coward......Get off N4G

No one here is bashing ur precious live maybe where actaully adults and grew up ur the only fanboy here.....Pathetic

Elvfam5115268d ago

"Why so many of you disagree?
You know i'm right look at facebook, marketplace>ps store, video sotre.

You are all such blind stupid fanboys, go pull your head out of your arse and look what Live has to offer."

Facebook psn intergation and web broswer access free

Faacebook Xlive intergation and no web broswer and can't use while in game 30 - 50 a year

Market place and Psn store is the same

Video store on psn you can purchase or rent movies and tv shows

Video store on Xlive you can only rent (from the last time i remember)

Netflix both Xbox 360 and Ps3 have it

Netflix Xbox 360 pay 30- 50 a year plus the monthly fee from Netflixs
you can view with friends

Netflixs PS3 free online and just monthly from netflix (need disc)

What else you got

5268d ago
Lifendz5268d ago

You let everyone get online and play the game, and then you offer the services that the multi-console owners want for a premimum price (assuming that's what it is).

I have no problem with that so long as I can still get on a game, use my headset, and not get subpar service. And don't make me wait a week for a demo. I figured that steady stream of income would be too much for Sony to pass up. Get that money but don't force the rest of us to pay a fee for services we might not even use.

Mindboggle5268d ago

If they charge for cross game chat I would pay for it.

If this does happen Im waiting to see the people who were saying they dont want cross game chat complaining that its not free.

ThanatosDMC5268d ago

We can tell them FU if they ever try to shaft us to pay to play online.

5268d ago
lightningsax5268d ago

This is a Kaz Hirai communication. His role in the Sony corporate structure is different now - he's the guy who jumps across the different silos of music, video, games, etc. and attempts to connect them. What I'm thinking is that his first real project in this position will be this premium content - possibly subscription-based usage of all Sony music and HD video content for a price, akin to what Rhapsody tried to do with its subscription service.

Who knows? Chances are I'm not going to be too interested if that's all it is. Maybe it'll allow access to DLC and be more affordable than buying it all piecemeal. That would be pretty nice!

WenisWagon5268d ago

Paying for Xbox Live makes sense because it is totally worth what you get. What would you be paying for PSN? The ability to use premium printer support for your console?

sikbeta5268d ago

That's your new name

Fail much because it let me play for free

Oh...GOD this fanboys can't be more dumb, the money you spend on live can go to a new game

-"not, becauze I only buy teh Haloezzzzzzz"

XD

tonsoffun5268d ago

I suppose it depends on what is included with the subscription....

If they have a model where I can have access to unlimited free downloads of PSN games/DLC/ADD ON's etc... for a set amount per month, then I am totally in.

p0Wer5268d ago

As long as the way PSN is currently in stays free, then I warmly welcome PSN Premium.

I wonder what premium users will get extra! Does anybody think there will be special firmware features for premium members only?

thorstein5268d ago

That is a direct quote. in addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free servicesin addition to the current free services

Guitardr855268d ago

Ok...So I'll just keep using the "inferior" PSN while you keep playing your XBLA.

How many 360 consoles have you gone through now? I'm just really glad you can find the time to play online with all of your systems being sent in for repair!

Guido5267d ago

And that is all I want. Now, if they have a monthly premium for a set of movie downloads and perhaps games or demos then sure, I might look into it but at the moment, all I need the PSN for is to game online.

Quickedie5267d ago

You guys seem all happy about this anouncement. Wasn't xbox life critizised for being not free?
And isn't this move by Sony a clear step into that direction. Remember, they are a business, of course they will try to make you buy the premium service. I hope they won't force you like Microsoft by making online play available only for premium users (its the only reason I pay for Live).
But still it is a sad day for the console consumer where a premium has to be payed for things that formaly have been free on PC (online play, demos, updates, social networking, etc.). Now that Sony does this move into that direction, this seems to be the future.
I really hope so much, online play will remain free on the PS3 (and PS4,5,6...), that competition is necessary, perhaps Microsoft will be forced to allow online play for Silver users some day...

+ Show (26) more repliesLast reply 5267d ago
LastPlaceConsole5268d ago

now it's not only $hitty

but you have to pay for it to get less $hitty

What a $hitty online with a $hitty Last place Console

5268d ago
sephy 9 2 55268d ago

taking a long time to ship back from the repair center.

5268d ago
xcox5268d ago

this trolling penguin almost nailed it: just change the avatar picture to:
http://3redlightfix.com/360...

and he's spot on

lmao

blackblades5268d ago

you just mad cause 360 sucks.

Sir Ken_Kutaragi5268d ago (Edited 5268d ago )

+ Online play on the PS3 will always be FREE;)

+ For me PSN is Perfect. Does all i want. Well done SONY.

p0Wer5268d ago

@LPC: Please remove yourself from this site and never return.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 5268d ago
ubiquitious5268d ago

This is the beginning of the end.

Anyone remember when Sony used to be innovative? What happened? You can't follow Microsoft forever.

NickIni5268d ago

...How are they following Microsoft?

Because paying for an online service was totally Microsoft's idea. You don't even have to pay to play.

Elvfam5115268d ago

lmao

There's going to be free online with a option of premium service

EpicGamerSwordsman5268d ago

there not even close. but nobody should listen to you anyway, because you think MS is innovating online gaming by having you pay for basic features that come free with PSN.

deadreckoning6665268d ago

@Maiku- Fear? What are you talking about? If anythg this will inspire M$ to lower their subscription fee or make it free to play online. This may benefit 360 fanboys as well. The more M$ sweats, the more things they'll be forced to give for free or at a CHEAPER price. Its called LOGIC :)

ultimolu5268d ago (Edited 5268d ago )

...AT LEAST THEY GIVE PEOPLE A CHOICE.

Yes...unlike Microsoft who forces you to pay that $50.00 a freaking year if you want to play all the latest demos and play against your friends properly.

Grow up.

5268d ago
Simon_Brezhnev5268d ago

@ 2

funnest comment of the day

lightningsax5268d ago

They're following, I guess, by providing a subscription service, but they've done this with Qore already. If the stuff we've been enjoying for free is still free, we PS3 folk still have every right to put thumbs to noses and flip the bird at the 360 faithful.

They're trying something new, but it'll need funding. That's the point. They will be innovating, but innovation doesn't come from nothing. It comes from great creative staff, who have expensive salaries to pay.

sikbeta5268d ago

ubiquitious didn't want to wrote that, I'll translate for all of you:

"Fanboys...
This is the beginning of the end.

Anyone remember when Gamers used to be GAMERS? What happened? I can't love Microsoft forever."

Well, that's what he want to say, he is assuming his BLINDED BIASED HATER CHILDISH (and more) FANBOYSM and he feels like he can't deal with that

boodybandit5268d ago

name 3 things MS did since they entered the gaming industry that was innovative. If you ask me they are the epitome of follow the leader. I honestly can't think of anything they have done that was innovative and I have no bias against MS when it comes to gaming. Anyone that knows me will tell you I am on my 360 more than my PS3. I am, unlike you, just keeping it real and being honest.

willie325268d ago (Edited 5268d ago )

I don't think this is the beginning to the end. Does anyone remember the "rumor" that was circulating about two months ago? It suggested that Sony was going to charge a subscription fee for the PSN store. The rumor then said people who paid the subscription fee would be able to download any game or dlc from the store while maintaining the monthly payment. If I was able to pay $5 a month for unlimitied access to games and dlc, I will definately subscribe to it. I probably blow at least $20 a month on stuff anyways. I would love to save the money. As long as they keep the online gaming free, there is no problem with this.

Guitardr855268d ago

Yeah that was a pretty stupid comment you made. Sony copying MS by having people pay for something? That's as stupid as saying you are copying Bill Gates by using the numbers 0 and 1 in phone number. Quit being such a fanboy and grow up!

Quickedie5267d ago

btw, the Silver account gives you access to demos, videos, updates, etc...

But do you realize, that Sony offering a premium service is VERY SIMILAR to Micro$oft's, except for the online play part.

Don't be a fool, it could be just a step away from a service like LIVE.

Are you really that NAIVE to believe that Sony wouldn't make a profit when they are in the position to do so? Do you think they have some kind of 'morals' or they would consider it immoral to charge you if they could?
Let's say they would offer a superior service to XBox live, don't you think they would CHARGE you for it?

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 5267d ago
DarkBlade5268d ago

hmm i was told this online yesterday but didn't believe. Luckily Online play is the same.

cereal_killa5268d ago

You mussssssssssst be a Muppet Troll.

Aceluffy5268d ago

How only 2 words can get you bubble raped ? I love N4G

Show all comments (148)
50°

Mugen Souls Retro Review – Sexy Demon Space Adventure

Gary Green said: We have a juxtaposition of 2D and 3D visuals, flashy turn-based combat, quirky anime characters with cheeky dialogue with plenty of partial nudity; Yes, this is a Compile Heart JRPG. Whilst the engine is borrowed from Hyperdimension Neptunia mk2, Mugen Souls is more of a Disgaea spin-off. It’s not a strategy RPG as such, it merely sits within Disgaea’s ever-expanding universe (Multiverse? Netherverse? Your guess is as good as mine). You won’t find cameos though, since Mugen Souls is a franchise which aims to stand on its own two feet.

Read Full Story >>
pslegends.com
130°

Looking Back At 2008, An Unbelievably Incredible Year Of Video Game Releases

Huzaifa from eXputer: "2008 was home to the likes of Call of Duty: World at War, Dead Space, GTA 4, Far Cry 2, Left 4 Dead, and many other hits, which is outright remarkable."

ChasterMies2h ago

Some of these low paid video game “news” writers weren’t born before 2007.

CrimsonWing6913h ago

I don’t think anything can compare to 2023

lucasnooker13h ago

1998 - the best year in gaming! Metal gear solid, crash bandicoot 3, medievil, half life, ocarina of time, thief, tenchu, resident evil 2, Spyro, tomb raider 3, oddworld abes exodus, banjo kazooie.

It was a different breed of a gaming era. You’ll never understand what it was like back then. The aura of gaming, it was different!

KyRo13h ago(Edited 13h ago)

I second this. Gaming was a lot more varied and fun than it is today. I'm 35 so getting on compared to some here but I got to see all the changes from NES up to now but I've never felt so disappointed in any generation than I have this current gen. I was expecting more from this generation rather than prettier versions of games that came before it. Game mechanics have become so refined that alot of games feel the same and has done for a while now.

Maybe it's time to have a break for a while. I love gaming but I don't feel I get much fun in the traditional sense out of it anymore.

CrimsonWing6913h ago(Edited 13h ago)

Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil 2, Abe’s Exodus, and Ocarina of Time are the only things from that list that I liked.

Here’s the 2023 game releases that I personally liked… and big releases that I didn’t care for:

- Dead Space Remake
- Wo Long Dynatsy
- Resident Evil 4 Remake
- Diablo 4
- Fire Emblem Engage
- Hogwarts Legcay
- Street Fighter 6
- Hi-Fi Rush
- Like a Dragon: Ishin
- Octopath Traveler 2
- Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters
- Final Fanatsy XVI (actually ended up not liking this, but it was still a big deal release)
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
- Lies of P
- Mortal Kombat 1
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Starfield (Ended up hating this one, but big release)
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (I’m an old-school Zelda fan, but didn’t really enjoy this game)
- Alan Wake 2

I mean, honestly I’ve never seen a year of major IP releases like that, ever.

Profchaos10h ago(Edited 10h ago)

Isn't it just a generational thing realistically.

I've been gaming since way back and I some of my favourite games go as far back as the late 80s for me each generation has a year or two of game changing releases one after another before an inevitable dry spell.

I kind of agree gaming had a different feel games hit different because we didn't have the internet nothing got spoiled and you really had to put in the effort to beat a puzzle which could set entire groups of people looking for a solution. But most importantly games were experimental and not as cookie cutter as today even basics like controls were not universal today r2 is shoot l2 is ads garunteed you can't deviate from that in a shooter back then it could of been square, R1 or R1 and circle nothing was standard.

But as time moves on a new generation picks up their controller they are going to be interested in different things that PS1 demo disc with the t Rex blew our primitive 16 bit brains back on launch but to kids today it's laughable.
The new gen of kids coming into to hobby seem to value different things to us there seems to be a huge focus on online play, streamers, gaming personalities, and social experiences, convience of digital downloads. To me I value none of that but that's ok like my parents not liking the band's I would listen to its just the natural cycle.

Gameseeker_Frampt1h ago

Just about every year in the 7th generation was great and something we most likely won't experience again.

2009 for example had Assassin's Creed 2, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Dragon Age: Origins, Uncharted 2, Halo 3: ODST, Killzone 2, Borderlands, Bayonetta, and Demon's Souls to name a few.

120°

6 Fun Games Where You Actually Play As The Bad Guy

While the mainstream media always sees things turning in favor of the hero, here are 6 games that own being a bad guy.

Profchaos19h ago

Pretty much all of these games listed are based around a morality system you don't have to be bad and you don't have to be good.

It seems to have left out some real amazing games like red dead redemption 1/2,ass effect and true crime la/ny

Tacoboto18h ago

Armored Core VI?

Ok, I'm really missing something here. Just beat chapter 3 earlier this evening, unlocked A-rank Arena fights. I'm not seeing or sensing any branching paths or morality system and I've done every side mission and arena fight available to me up to that fight.

Is something big coming soon to branch the story?

banger8818h ago

No mention of Grand Theft Auto? Saints Row (original trilogy), Manhunt? Also The Suffering (depending on the ending you get).

ChasterMies8h ago

Trevor in GTA 6 is a sadist and psychopath who dabbles in cannibalism. Should be top of the list. These game “news” sites should hire people that know games.