Sony Computer Entertainment has dropped yet more hints that the hardware manufacturer may be looking to charge for online services via PlayStation Network.
When prompted as to how the company is managing the high costs associated with running PSN, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Masayuki Chatani, told Nikkei Japan:
"We would face difficulties if our business depended solely on the sell-and-forget model. After we sell the hardware, though, we continue to sell products such as content and services," said Chatani.
"We can also accept payment in a growing number of ways," he continued. "In addition to single-payment packaged software, there are also schemes like monthly fees or per-item charges."
While the context of Chatani’s answer remains ambiguous, it could be that he was merely discussing monthly fees for specific titles, such as MMOs. However, it should be noted that there have been consistent rumors throughout the year that Sony may be looking to employ an Xbox Live-style subscription service for PSN.
We’ll keep you posted.