Cross-game voice comms

[MVG zapiy]

Cross-game voice communication is among a short list of features expected to be introduced to PS3 in the next several months, though it may arrive at a cost.


The latest issue of the US Official PlayStation Magazine speculates the feature will be part of a new premium PlayStation Network subscription offered by Sony. Those who opt in will be granted cross-game chat among other features.
Although the magazine claims no source for the prediction, it does fall in line with consumer surveys issued by Sony on the subject of paid subscriptions for PSN.
Given that PSN caters to twice the number of users as Xbox Live, Sony would be unwise to charge for online access; however, premium services could justify a small fee, as long as basic features remain free.

[SebastianDoyle]

Given that PSN caters to twice the number of users as Xbox Live


now that, ladies and gentlemen, is what you call spin. I very much doubt they have more than 20 million PSN users. Prospective users, maybe ;)

[MVG zapiy]

Sony announced a landmark this week for its PlayStation Network (http://www.engadget.com/tag/PlayStationNetwork/): 20 million users worldwide, as of February 20. According to the presser, that breaks down to 5 million in the first 14 months of service, 5 million more 8 months later, and an additional 10 million the 7 months after that. There's quite a few caveats to consider here, as that includes PSP and PS3 users as well as anyone who wishes to use the official PS forums, whether or not they own one of the aforementioned consoles.

However, more interesting to us is a note about the service generating $180 million life to date in revenue. It's a stark contrast to Xbox Live (http://www.engadget.com/tag/XboxLive/)'s reported $1 billion revenue since its 2002 launch, as of E3 2009. Based on figures from leaked to Seattle P-I this week, which said XBL had 10 million subscribers worldwide and a 56 percent Gold subscriptions rate in February 2008, we can do some fuzzy math. Assuming those Gold members paid the $50 annual subscription -- or $4.16 monthly, the cheapest per month option -- that amounts to $23.3 million for the month, not accounting for discounts or free Gold trials. Presuming no subscription growth for sake of argument -- we know it's growing -- that's $280 million annually, well over PSN's life to date revenues. Say what you will about mean ol' Microsoft charging for online play, the numbers seem to go in its favor.


The above is an interesting read...

[SebastianDoyle]

it sure is. I was right about there not being 20 million ps3 users on the network. lol

edit. It also means there's not many people (figuratively speaking) that don't have MW2 - or that 10 million users is an old figure - there are more than 9 million MW2 users

[JuDgE KiA]

i would be very surprised if sony or microsoft admitted that their rival company was doing better than themselves in their official magazines lol

[rotekz]

PSN will never come close LIVE unless they charge for it. There is too much infrastructure to put in and maintain. Somebody has to pay for it and Sony's gaming division is still well in the red.