Now we have read about this a few times and many people have asked this question, the question is “Should we be charged for PSN Service? Personally we say no in one breath and then again we say yes in another small slight just about passing in out of my mouth breath.
We all know that the LittleBigPlanet servers went live, and now we have learned that the servers are down, with some mishaps which are not on the mass grand scale and we know the PlayStation Network has issues now and then is the reason why people have said we should be charged for the service.
Like other services you get charged yearly and that means they spend more time fixing issues as soon as possible, many rival gamers believe that if you get something for free you will always get problems but like the paid services that always work. Well yes we agree in one respect but you need a machine that works 100 percent of the time to get a good service and the PS3 is always 100 percent.
We believe that there are flaws with all consoles and services, must admit though and yes I will defend the rivals this time only (don’t think all you Xboxers will get praise all the time), got to give credit where credit is due as they say, when there are problems with the Xbox 360 Live network which they all pay for is down or they have problems Microsoft do give out a little refund or a full Arcade title for free.
There have been problems which we know about with SOCOM, GTA IV, Metal Gear Online and LittleBigPlanet. Oh just so you know the LittleBigPlanet servers are up and running again. Let us know the answer to this question “Should we be charged for PSN Service? PS3 Daily says no what do you think?
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Tags: PSN
40 responses so far ↓
1 Joe // Oct 29, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Good point and I agree with you, except for the useless Xbox 360 bashing.
2 Phil // Oct 29, 2008 at 1:46 pm
No…. Keep it free, so the service aint the best but its more than good enough to say its free, it also introduces non hard core gamers to the world of online gaming…. got to be a plus (easy points)
3 Michael // Oct 29, 2008 at 2:29 pm
The free service encourages online purchases from PSN.
Xbox 360 turned out to be a scam with there over charges, locking people out of playing certain games on there consoles.
I know play entirely online with my PS3.
4 Pete // Oct 29, 2008 at 2:44 pm
If I have to pay for it I won’t! Therefor buy less PSN games (£150 on PSN games in a yr) buy less retail games that have online.
5 Mark S. // Oct 29, 2008 at 3:19 pm
No… I’ll have to go find my argument on another board, but plain and simple, do you really want to pay to have the right to buy games, or the right to play games?
Yes, the XBL charge is not that high.. but you’re paying MORE every year to have the right to play games that you’ve already purchased?
Let’s just assume you own a car, right? and we’ll just say it’s a nice little Jaguar… You paid the sticker price in one lump sum… and you get ready to take it on the road… The car won’t start…Jaguar says you have to make a huge monthly payment for the ignition to turn over so we can make the ignition work…
You wouldn’t be driving that Jaguar as much would you?
Or you see a nice set of rims for your car.. you want to buy them… but Jaguar says, we can’t open the store to you until you pay the fee… Doesnt’ matter if you’re only going in for one item or multiple items. You still have to pay the Jaguar corp for permission to ENTER their store… Guess you’re not pimpin’ up your Jag?
You could argue that you’re paying for Gas to drive for instance.. but you know what, none of that Gas money gets paid to Jaguar (console manufacturer)…it goes to the oil company (game publisher).
You can’t even argue for the “Accessories” access… cause you know nobody will make the custom equipment that you need for your car (console).
6 Poole569 // Oct 29, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I would pay, but at the moment i see no problems with PSN that would make me think ‘i wish i was paying, cos this would be better’ I can always get a game, i can always access the store (unless they are updating) so like the saying goes ”if it aint broke, dont fix it”
7 Mark // Oct 29, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Bought my PS3 last week and the main reason I went for it over the 360 was because of the free online play. I’d be absolutely gutted if they now pulled the rug from under my feet after I’ve racked out £300 on it.
8 Future of Sega // Oct 29, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Maybe they could do a free psn for a limited time, this would then stop ppl like mark above from feeling duped!
9 Barnabee Jones // Oct 29, 2008 at 4:21 pm
At this point… I don’t think they can start charging. Too many people are used to having free access. The PSN runs without any problems about 99% of the time. It seems that when ever a huge new game launches, there are some bugs in the first week that need to be fixed. That being said, they should do a better job of anticipating online issues at the time of a games launch. They did a pretty good job with LBP. There were issues and they had them fixed with in 24 hours or so.
Most games this generation do have an online component. So you paid for the console, your online service provider, and the game. Adding a fee on top of that, just in order to be able to play the game does seem unfair.
10 VinTheDean // Oct 29, 2008 at 4:46 pm
It has to stay free. I know why xbox charges. It’s because M$ owns the servers and they maintain them.
For Sony games, it’s the Developer who owns the servers and maintain them. So the issue is with the developers and NOT Sony.
Now, if Sony were to own the servers and maintain them like M$, then these issues should not exist.
I might consider paying for it, but PSN would loose their advantage over XBL.
(Feel free to trash over my last statement. But that is my opinion.)
11 Paul // Oct 29, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Im sorry but am I the only one who is aware that the free PSN online network server and the actual gamer servers for Socom, LBP, COD4 are two different things?! The problems with the recent online launch titles is not Sony’s fault. The PSN store and network has been working just fine. ITS the GAME SERVERS @ Slant 6 and LBP that cant handle the overload.
Note - I just read VintheDean’s comment and I agree totally. Let’s not try to fix something that aint broke with the PSN. Lets focus on betas on a bigger scale and better prepare for the future of online gaming. This is just the beginning.
12 Joe // Oct 29, 2008 at 7:00 pm
^^^ Well if that’s the case then it doesn’t make sense for them (Sony) to charge for PSN. I’m sure that MM will be able to enhance their service given their LBP sales $$$.
13 mobiletone // Oct 29, 2008 at 7:34 pm
if people want demos etc earlier then they can buy the Qore (sp?) video mag thing from the store. i note europe is getting it’s own version sometime next year, so, if you want to pay to get stuff/reviews etc you can. there is nothing forcing you to subscribe. this, as far as i can see is the best solution all round. personally i’ll stick with buying OPM every month and load the demos off the blu-ray instead of downloading them.
14 Andrew // Oct 29, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Sorry Paul, the future of online gaming arrived with the first Xbox. You’re a full generation behind buddy. Only a true fanboy would deny that Microsoft has done at least one thing right: Xbox Live.
From the article; “Give credit were credit is due”
Also, this article had horrible grammar and punctuation.
15 mobiletone // Oct 29, 2008 at 8:20 pm
@ Andrew - the future of online gaming arrived with the Dreamcast. You’re a full generation behind buddy.
16 Joeymoto // Oct 29, 2008 at 9:37 pm
^^^^^ As an online gamer would say: Pwnage Noob!!!!!!!!!!!1!11111!!!1!
17 Paul // Oct 29, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Guys, lets not get into which console is better. Or who came out with what first. I personally like both 360 and ps3. xbox live is nice and crisp and PSN is free. Both have their good points. My point is , Sony is not responsible for the muiltiplayer failures that seem to be happening with the recent popular titles. Im not defending Sony, Im just saying, PSN is not the reason why these online titles are having server problems. Developers need to start thinking big, real big. Gamers, clans, broadband access all around the world are increasing, of course they are going to have server problems.
18 Mark S. // Oct 29, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Paul, this isn’t one of those ‘console war’ threads.. it’s more of the XBL vs. PSN debate….
Are there enough features in XBL over PSN that’s worth the $4.50 a month?
Personally, I’d say no, as almost everything in XBL is in PSN. ( i think there were two options (voice chat while in different games was one, I forget the other option/item though) that was in XBL that’s not in PSN.
19 paul // Oct 30, 2008 at 1:05 am
Well, what the article is really asking is, if we paid for a better PSN. Will MM, slant 6, rockstar
and konami servers be better prepared for the masses of gamers around the world to log in everytime they launch a hyped up online title. One has nothing to do with the other. The article right away points out the troubles with LBP and Socom and GTA and it closes out with a note about LBP servers going up again. I just think its important for all to know that psn servers have nothing to do with how game servers react or behave. Personally, I think its hard to decide which is better and for what price. Supposedly, Home will take over the media bar and show us a whole new way of interacting with the community. time will tell. Happy Gaming
BTW - Im currently playing Dead SPace and its awesome. Funny how the best well thought out games dont even include multiplayer .
20 Andrew // Oct 30, 2008 at 1:55 am
@mobiletone - The Dreamcast was a good machine but don’t forget that it was the same gen as the original Xbox and it barely lasted.
21 Luke // Oct 30, 2008 at 11:04 am
I think that if they charge us for the psn use then we should get a drop in the retail price of the games, as i find then to be a little over the top
especialy when the off line part of alot of the games can be completed in a few days (ripp off).
Plus there making a mint from the psn store games available. Money money money thats all these companys think of not the customers at the over end.
22 mojo // Oct 30, 2008 at 11:35 am
Why should you have to pay £300 for a PS3, £40 for a new game, and then pay a subscription fee to go online with it?
If Sony are having problems with servers then they will need to sort it out. They are a multi-billion pound, global corporation - not a charity case. They have more than enough resources to make PSN and LBP servers run like lightning.
23 Anderson // Oct 30, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Well … no, I dont think I should pay. I bought my PS3 when it was first released and I bought it because of the free online gaming and Playstation Home that was promised, if they now start to charge, they will be in contravetion of the Sale of Goods Act. They promised free access to Playstation Home, they promised it would always be free! It was the main reason why I sold my Xbox360 and bought the PS3 in the first place! Don’t go putting fancy ideas in thier heads by letting them think they can charge and get away with it cos’ I for one would be looking for a refund on the grounds of missrepresenting the goods on sale.
24 vinni // Oct 30, 2008 at 6:02 pm
I’ll only consider paying cuz I no how great it is… Others won’t feel need to b/ dey nnever experienced.. An addict never feels da need before doing the drug….. Damn dat was good !!!!
Brazilzhitman:..add me:..
25 alan jones // Oct 30, 2008 at 6:19 pm
TO be fair Xbox live kills the PS3 network (I own both consoles). PES online is terrible, but better on xbox. Call of Duty is horrible on PS3 (about 1 game in every 5 actually works) where as on XBOX live it is perfect. It is Sonys only problem and if they charge they could offer a more stable network. Then people may take it seriously as a true contender to xbox live.
26 vinni // Oct 31, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Idk what alan jones talkin about .. His ps3 online sux cuz mine is insanily fast! Cod4 is ever more fluent in speed.. U prabably got a cheap connection! Haa..
27 alan jones is an idiot // Nov 2, 2008 at 2:29 am
says it all in the name
28 Dangthing // Nov 2, 2008 at 3:24 am
The problem isn’t with Playstation Network. PSN is always running its normally the individual studios game servers that have problems. Resistance fall of man is almost always working but quite often I have problems on COD4.
29 Dangthing // Nov 2, 2008 at 3:25 am
Also Alan Jones obviously doesn’t own it because if he did he would know it wasn’t called PES its called PSN. also once again servers are individually owned not by Sony. Its not Sony’s fault for COD4 its infinity wards.
30 Luke // Nov 2, 2008 at 9:29 am
I have bien playing the res2 beta for some time now
and have never had any problems with the game play, if you think you can have a great gaming
experience using a 1MB conection then there thia the reason, going back to the ps2 you could get a way with a lower speed better graphics and game engines neeed faster broad band speeds. Oh another reason most games once you have left the lobby of the game and are in game paly the conection is down to the individual gamers not the provider.
31 leon452 // Nov 2, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Just to clarify on the 360 you only pay to play online and even then free month codes come with some games. YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A GOLD MEMBER TO BUY XBOX ARCADE GAMES, FREE DEMOS, MSN, WATCH FILMS ETC. PS3 sould however keep there PSN free especially with the price of console at mo. I don’t agree that people should pay for online play. One of the reasons i will be getting PS3 soon although xbox live has always been great psn has caught up big time for a free service. With all the MMO coming soon eg, the Agency, Free Realms, Home etc The PS3 is finally worth getting. Looking forward to joining the Sony community soon.
32 Dangthing // Nov 3, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Agreed and remember that PSN can expand very easily and normally does so every few months.
33 mstevie192 // Nov 3, 2008 at 6:06 pm
personaly i think us ps3 owners paid enough for the console
34 FooLs // Nov 21, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I agree especially if the console was bought because of free psn, there would be huge uproars, they would lose a huge fanbase and xbox 360 would once again have another reason to laugh at ps3 owners, who have been duped, IT AINT GONNA HAPPEN, so dont get your knickers in a twist.
35 Dangthing // Nov 23, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Fools is an Xbot and his posts no longer hold weight.
36 FooLs // Nov 24, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Scuze Me, Im an xbot, not really, I feel sorry for ‘ps3 owners’ infact my friend having gone through 3 rrod’s has just gone out and bought a ps3, I just like to stick up for the underdogs, I have an IQ of 146, I AM CLEVERER THAN YOU, I hold weights, I do push ups and pull ups, trust me I hold weight, my mummy bought me a 9mil yesterday, I hold Weight, and one more thing I hold WEIGHT, as I am clever and have not been blinded by sony or microsoft I can see that they are both just as good as each other when it comes to playing games, so when people say xbox suckz ps3 PWNZ, it gets me mad, and I will personally a$$ whoop Dangthing, infront of his crackhead mommy.
FooLs - I’ll be ‘Back’ (as arnie would say)
37 Ian Contreras // Nov 27, 2008 at 5:50 am
I don’t understand why this question keeps popping up, but let me say this: No!
If the service is unquestionably inferior to the Xbox Live service that everyone compares it to, why charge for it?
And if it is on par or better than the Xbox Live service, why are you complaining that you don’t have to pay for it?
To argue no further: THE SERVICE IS FREE!!! Be Happy!
38 PeperUdo // Dec 2, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Get off you Xbox fanboys!!!
yes your are being robbed, paying for a service twice! you pay your console, your games and your internet provider…why should we pay to play our games online? i own both consoles and one thing i know for sure…No more pennyes for XLive…no more phone calls to M$ and months without my console…
Sony is on the right track… full game download, improved stability of connection, and ALL 4 Free!
39 Dangthing // Dec 5, 2008 at 2:05 am
If you were truly so clever then you wouldn’t go around saying you knew so much, if you were truly clever you would know that you know absolutely nothing, just like everybody else.
You got a 9mm from your mommy? Well when you can get your own let me know. Also there is not a very good chance that your IQ is 146, its possible, but not likely. Not that its much more than average.
40 Chris // Sep 30, 2009 at 12:49 am
No!!!!!!!!That is the main reason i bought my ps3 it would not be fare to the gamers, thats why most people choose ps3 over the xbox 360 because the PS3 network, and on the box it says free playstation network, that is why microsoft is million ars and Sony are trillion ars. I might as well go get a Xbox 360 because it would make sony loose money people would not buy the PS3,you know what i think, PSN should be free, PSN should be free, PSN should be free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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