"Could Sony actually abandon its free online multiplayer option and go the Xbox Live route, charging players an annual fee? It's not likely, but what could happen is that the free version gets minimized and Sony will do everything it can to entice consumers to sign up for an enhanced paid version of PSN."

"I think it's unlikely that they will require a fee, but think they will strip down the free version to multiplayer and not much else in order to encourage people to pay the fee," Wedbush Securities' Michael Pachter told us

Yes, another one of Pach's remarks.

 http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-04-13-playstation-networks-free-service-could-be-stripped-down-says-pachtering-staff-and-user-behavior

To be honest I would not be suprised if PSN would cost money on PS4. Looking at how much money MS are getting from Xbox Live i'm sure Sony wants that too.

SWEET! Now Sony will add MORE for those who do not pay for PSN+!!!

It is Pachter, enough said

Ugh, people are so pushy on this idea, but don't factor in psn plus. If they start charging for psn, then all the benefits of psn plus (other than the games) sure as hell better be included in the charged psn. Take away these benefits from psn plus, and you have something that better cost about half as much per year.

They have already been adding little things to psn plus that you don't get with a normal membership.

Its only a matter of time and Sony fans who think its not going to happen are kidding themselves.

Let's see Sony is posting massive losses currently while MS is raking in millions on Xbox Live fees. It simply makes financial sense to do so, and if Sony doesn't start charging this generation it is for sure going to happen on the PS4.

Honestly if they don't start charging they're crazy.

What BenV said, it makes no sense not to charge, if they want to maintain a competitive edge against XBL then offer it cheaper.

Pathcer...
Anyway i can see them charging for it, but the backslash would have consequences. It will depend on how the ps4 ends up.

This. Also, it seems likely publishers next too Sony will be pushing them to do it, because they're having to pay costs for demos etc on PSN (Or is that something I'm wrong about guys? I think I read a article about it 1 or 2 years back...)

And if they don't start charging, PSN is unlikely to ever be up to par with XBL *puts on flame resistant suit*

Alright Pachter!