PlayStation Network vs. Xbox Live: Cost Analysis

[BrewCityUpstart]

Discuss!! =)



One of the most important features of the PS3 is the fully revamped and restyled PlayStation network, complete with the new PlayStation Store and an online gaming service that rivals Microsoft's heralded Xbox Live service. And while the Store is well-documented at this point, one aspect doesn't seem to be getting much publicity: the cost.

If you have the PS3, you might've noticed something awfully positive when you go to register for the Store and Network-

It's free.

All you need is a fast Internet connection (DSL or cable), the ethernet cord that comes packaged with the PS3, and you're good to go. Simply plug in, register, and get gaming! Not only do you have immediate access to the Store, which features free playable demos and trailers, and moderately priced arcade titles, but you can also play online for no cost. This is one hell of a bonus, especially if you compare this to Live's service fees.

Now, you can sign up for a Silver Xbox Live membership, which is indeed free. However, this only grants you access to the Xbox Live Marketplace and voice chat, it does not allow you to play games online, which is kinda the whole point of Live. You can upgrade to the Gold membership whenever you like, which certainly enables online play, but that comes with your option of set fees.

You can be a Gold member for $49.99 for one year, $19.99 for three months, or $7.99 for one month. You can also pick up one of the bundle deals if you like: $39.99 nets you three months of a Gold membership, a headset, $10 mail-in rebate, and 100 points to be used in the Marketplace. For $69.99, you get one full year of Gold features, a headset, a $20 mail-in rebate, and 200 Microsoft points. Both these packages also include one Marketplace Arcade title each.

And if we look at the current state of the PlayStation network...

Despite the fact the Network doesn't quite have all the extras and bells and whistles Live boasts (no unified friends list that carries over to all the games you play online, for example), you can still play online for no cost. You can access the Marketplace and download trailers and playable demos for no cost. No, you don't get the "points" (it's basically money in the Live Marketplace) towards the Store, you don't get a headset, and you don't get one of those joyous rebates. But to play online and use the Store for free forever? That's a giant plus.

Comparatively speaking, to play online for five years with Live, you need to shell out $250.00, minimum. That's if you don't spring for any of the bundles and always do the one-year Gold membership. If you utilize either bundle offer - both of which are more expensive - or the three-month or one-month offers, you'll end up paying even more. Furthermore, you know Sony is in the process of adding all those little enhancements to the Network as the months progress, so...

Essentially, Live and the Network will soon become borderline identical. And if you want to go play a game online with the PS3, it won't cost you an extra dime over the next five years. If you want to do the same with the 360, that's an added ownership cost of at least $250. This is something to be considered, yes?

[Jon Liu]

I really liked the idea of a free network like they have provided. Although, yes, it's not quite as good, I don't think people ought to complain too much for something that's given to them for free!

I definitely think it helps cut the costs down in the long run especially for those with multiple consoles! I know that if I had to pay for the Xbox Live, Playstation Network, and also the Nintendo WiiConnect... I would not be a happy camper.

I'm glad that they went that route. Makes it easier to consider a PS3 for a purchase later down the line.

[BrewCityUpstart]

I played RFOM MP last night- everything was smooth as hell.

[dmiller68]

I would say yes for now... However, I expecting Sony to make money one way or another... I'm guessing advertising. I would be willing to bet that you will start seeing ads every time you sneeze on Sony's system. or... They will start charging down the line. You can give it away for free without finding some way to recoup your costs. Sony will get money it just hasn't materialized on how yet.

I also think it could even be a worse experience online and have more risk to the children of the world. No cost means no controls, no age verification I know I'm looking at the negative but I think it could become a real problem.

[dmiller68]

Originally Posted by BrewCityUpstart

I played RFOM MP last night- everything was smooth as hell.

No one has a console yet...

[Wondermonkey]

What the hell is a point of an online service that doesn't have a unified friends list that you carry around?

While the free thing is awesome, I'm actually thankful Live is a pay service. I shutter to think how bad the "community" would be if every 10, 12, 14 & 16 year old could afford it.

I also think that competition is good for both services, and it will force them to both make improvements that benefit all of us.

The Playstation Network vs. Xbox Live... bring it on. Although Live has a massive lead, and technically, the PS3 should have at least matched its features out the gate, I'll still give the PS3 time to impress me.

[Peench]

Definitely an added bonus to have the service be free. I do agree, however, that Sony will have to make up the cost elsewhere and at some point. I'd be interested in reading the disclaimers either in the TOS or in the packaged product. Perhaps there is language in there indicating that Sony could charge at a later date? I dunno but it will be interesting to find out.

Not so sure about this statement:

Essentially, Live and the Network will soon become borderline identical.

While they may end up sharing many similar features, I don't think they will be that close to identical, nor do I think it will happen anytime soon. Live has an entire generation head start so there are many things that are more polished. I hope that Sony innovates some really cool features that MS doesn't have so they can be incorporated into Live and vice versa. More competition in this realm will lead to more innovation and more desire by each to introduce a feature that gamers want.

It is a good point tho and one that I'm surprised Sony is not marketing more. The feature is free. That's cool.

[Rhino Chaser]

Bottom line, Sony has no market share in this area and a bad reputation in regards to how they handled their online services in the past. This is a move to build their market and to counter their kryptonite: XBL.

As soon as they start seeing numbers things will change in one way or another either with a fee, or as dmiller said with advertising.

I would expect to see a little of both.

This console is Sony’s Trojan Horse and many of their most precious eggs are riding this war out in the belly of this beast. Sony needs this device to be a success in more ways than we know and profits are definitely a part of that picture.

[BrewCityUpstart]

Originally Posted by Wondermonkey2k

While the free thing is awesome, I'm actually thankful Live is a pay service. I shutter to think how bad the "community" would be if every 10, 12, 14 & 16 year old could afford it.

You don't really think that every 10, 12, 14, and 16 year old with a 360 doesn't already have Live? If mom and pop can afford the 300-400 for a 360, they will have the Live service, too (if they want it, anyways).

[dmiller68]

Originally Posted by BrewCityUpstart

You don't really think that every 10, 12, 14, and 16 year old with a 360 doesn't already have Live? If mom and pop can afford the 300-400 for a 360, they will have the Live service, too (if they want it, anyways).

yes, I agree but it places a gate... I don't allow my kids on live, via a password. However, if all you have to do is plug it in where is the gate? What stops them, or requires simi adult supervision...

[BrewCityUpstart]

God forbid that there is parenting involved! Parenting tip from a non parent- unplug the ethernet cable.

MS/Sony are not babysitters.