Sony explains why it's difficult to keep the PlayStation Network free

Sony's PlayStation network has always been a free service to all PlayStation users. Sony's head of global marketing and vice president of Sony Network Entertainment, Eric Lempel explains to GamesIndustry.biz why they had to make the change and that it would be too difficult to keep the PlayStation Network free. Although the PlayStation Network's app services will still be free, Lempel says the PlayStation 4 will still have an edge over Xbox One due to Xbox Live's requirement to use many of its services. Lempel also explains that you get a good value and that it is worth paying for.

Eric Lempel mentioning it's difficult to keep PSN free: "There's a ton of value in the network. We've built up the network over the years and made a significant investment... and it's quite honestly hard to keep everything free"

Lempel continues: "The network's gotten so much better and it's completely redesigned on PS4. And the investment in Plus gives the user a ton of value, so putting multiplayer in there will continue to help us build the network up for our users. It's a massive infrastructure to run this thing, and now with some of these social features there's a lot going on."

Lempel talks about the value: "If you really look at the value you get from the instant game collection, especially if you have multiple consoles, it's an unbelievable value. Right off the bat, these two games we're giving away on day one are over $30, so it's a great deal for the user."

A subscription for PlayStation Network costs $50 for a year, $17.99 for a 3 month, or $9.99 for a 1 month.

The PlayStation 4 will be available this Friday on the 15th, and 29th in Europe.