Anyone have more information on this?

[mikley28]

Sony drops PlayStation Network details

Let me quote the paragraphs that make it unclear...

In addition to account creation and the ability to sign in or out of one's account, Sony listed a number of basic, free services provided by PlayStation Network. These included block and friend-list features, and a message box for storing messages and file attachments from other users. Furthermore, the chat feature will allow users to talk to each other via video and voice.

Online gaming features will consist of a matching service, lobby where players can exchange pleasantries, scoreboards, and a shop service for purchasing game items. The press release gave Ridge Racer 7 from Namco Bandai and Resistance: Fall of Man from SCEA as examples of launch titles confirmed to support online modes.

From these 2 paragraphs it seems as the Playstation network is structured similar to XBL where you have 2 levels of service. One free which is basic and only allows you to download patches, communicate, and play demos. And the Pay service where you play multiplayer games online. It doesn't list online gaming under one of the 'free services' but instead its in a paragraph of it's own and says NOTHING about being free.

And before you, Joe and HPman, jump all over me trying to say I am trying to bash Sony again, read the title of the thread and read article carefully and slowly. I am just looking for more information.

 

[hpman247]

Ok I read this carefully, and you are right they do not state that online gaming is free. BUt it seems implied to me from reading that. It certainly doens't make me think that anything has changed from what they have stated all along, that online is free. And I have a number of links with devs and execs talking about this if you need me to pull the out..
But to me, I don't see where you got that from. The only statement I see is "and a shop service for purchasing game items", and that is what I have heard all along as to what is going to happen

 

[mwgiii]

I have not seen anything on the game boards to suggest it will not be free.

 

[mikley28]

Ok I read this carefully, and you are right they do not state that online gaming is free. BUt it seems implied to me from reading that. It certainly doens't make me think that anything has changed from what they have stated all along, that online is free. And I have a number of links with devs and execs talking about this if you need me to pull the out..
But to me, I don't see where you got that from. The only statement I see is "and a shop service for purchasing game items", and that is what I have heard all along as to what is going to happen

I got it from the way it was written. They didn't list it under a 'basic free service' Keyword there being 'basic'.

I wouldn't have questioned it if it said... "Sony listed a number of basic, free services provided by PlayStation Network. These included block and friend-list features, playing multiplayer games online, and a message box for storing messages and file attachments from other users.

It's looks like a huge loophole to start charging if you ask me.