^^^ it is true.

The premium service is optional.

I won't pay for online no matter what they offer. I'm not a big fan of online play and just am content with what's online for free, whatever it is.

so i thought this was really old news, everyone seems so surprised.

"Premium content" was the key phrase for paid subscriptions to PSN.

No clarification as to what that means, but presumably it does not mean re-labeling features and services previously provided free of charge as "premium" for a fee.

The most basic online feature would be the ability to play games with network modes online. As long as they don't charge for this feature, it will be the one major distinguishing difference between XBL Silver and PSN.

If they want to charge for features like cross game chat, which enough people have been demanding, including those who don't currently own a PS3, that's within reason since it would be an added feature.

If they want to charge for exclusive and bonus content, all the more reason for those who care about such things to subscribe. Core already offers bonus content (free games, early beta access, etc.) but subscribers are paying for the video magazine production, not online features.

But, if they switch to a staggered, timed release for regular demos like XBL (one week late demo access for Silver subscriptions), that's starting to fall into the category of making the premium service look more appealing simply by reducing what the free service has to offer, even if the justification is "to relieve network traffic for new content."

If they want to start charging for dedicated servers for some of the heavier online based games, that's fine so long as it means faster connections, less latency and smoother play. It still beats paying for P2P access.

We'll see what the "premium service" provides and for what fee later this year.

I pay almost 40-60 euro a month on PSN from stuff I buy from there, some of the stuff I never use (like all the DLC for LBP that has ever came out, and I dont play LBP anymore)

Kids these days hahha

Didn't realise this thread grew this much,

Back to the point, from reading the comments & hearing what my friends have said

PSN is Inferior to XBL, Maybe this will help to bridge the gap..... ?

Sony's main hurdle is that live has a better reputation than PSN. Also generally if you pay for something there's a conception that it's better (not always but in general) It's frustrating that people don't read properly and think a premium subscription means the end of free online.

I knew $ony would give in in the end. No company gave resist such a large potential cash income

LOL a lot of newbies here commenting and dont even know that "$ony" alrdy said that playing online would still be 100% free and this subscription is optional for those who are willing to pay for enhanced service.

http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/sony-playstation-network-will-stay-free-652381

geez...