Considering the state of the industry, its not surprising, but it is annoying. Sony tried the free multiplayer model, it didn't work. It was either drive up the cost of PS+ and the ancillary features of the PS4, locking many of its features behind a paywall, or distribute the cost around paid multiplayer. I don't like it, but its been working for MS for years, so it literally makes no sense for Sony to have free multiplayer while trying to compete with MS.
Nintendo is not competing with Sony or MS at this point, so it doesn't need to charge for its online, not to mention their vast cash reserves.
PC is not comparable either.
In this day and age, with the Internet, ignorance is a choice! And they're still choosing Ignorance! - Dr. Filthy Frank
