Joystiq

Rumor: Xbox 360 getting $100, contract-subsidized Kinect bundle next week

Jordan Mallory — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:30:00 EST

Microsoft is preparing to take a page from the cell phone carrier playbook by offering the Xbox 360 at a substantial initial discount, followed by a two year subscription service, according to The Verge. The bundle, which would cost $100 up front and $15 a month afterwards, includes a Kinect, Xbox Live Gold service, a two-year warranty and possibly various types of streaming content. The package deal may go on sale as early as next week at Microsoft's various retail locations across the country.

Also like modern cell phone plans, an early termination fee would be associated with the service contract and levied against those who wish to leave their commitments early. Those who ride the entire contract out would end up paying roughly $460 for the bundle and its associated years of service. We've reached out to Microsoft for comment and will update as this story develops.

Update: Microsoft issued Joystiq the following statement: "We haven't made any announcements and we don't comment on rumor or speculation."

Rumor: Xbox 360 getting $100, contract-subsidized Kinect bundle next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Sony's Music Unlimited service now on Vita

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST

Sony's subscription music streaming service, Music Unlimited, is now available on the Vita. The app touts a touch-navigated menu system and the ability to listen to music offline, which is a first for the service, but is otherwise unchanged from its various other iterations across Sony devices. There's still two levels of service at $3.99 and $9.99 monthly, with cross-platform "Music Sync" technology that keeps your various Sony devices pumpin' the same jams.

We'd love to have been a fly on the wall during the Music Unlimited naming meeting at Sony HQ: "We need a name that communicates the fact that our service provides people with music. But, like, a lot of music. There's so much music in our service, you guys."

"What about The Infinite Blackness of the Void of Horrible Space, With Music[TM]?"

"Johnson, you're fired. Turn in your unlimited coffee voucher on your way -- Johnson you're a genius."

Continue reading PSA: Sony's Music Unlimited service now on Vita

PSA: Sony's Music Unlimited service now on Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subscription fees return to Final Fantasy XIV on January 6

JC Fletcher — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:03:00 EST

Square Enix has announced a small delay related to Final Fantasy XIV, but we don't think it's one you'll be upset about. Back in October, as part of the ambitious plan to revamp the MMO, Square Enix said it would begin charging a subscription fee in late November or early December. That date has been pushed to January 6, allowing you another whole month of ... playing Final Fantasy XIV in its current form. Hmm.

If you want to set up a subscription for your current account, you'll be able to do so starting December 16. Between January 6 and the release of "version 2.0," subscription fees will be discounted to $6.99 per 30 days (with extra savings for longer periods). The "real" subscription fee when version 2 launches will be $9.99 for 30 days.

Subscription fees return to Final Fantasy XIV on January 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World of Warcraft experiences a small drop in subscribers post-Cataclysm

JC Fletcher — Tue, 10 May 2011 18:30:00 EST

Around the release of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, Activision Blizzard repeatedly touted its 12 million subscribers. During yesterday's investor conference call, however, Blizzard president Mike Morhaime revealed that as of the end of March, the subscriber base had fallen from a stratospheric 12 million all the way to a humiliating 11.4 million, a decline of 5%.

Morhaime explained the tiny mass exodus by saying that players were completing the new content in Cataclysm more quickly than previous expansions, and then leaving the game. However, Rift also launched in March, which may have lured away part of those 600,000 ex-WoWers.

Still, if we're talking about part of 5% of your userbase maybe leaving for another game, things are still going well for you.

World of Warcraft experiences a small drop in subscribers post-Cataclysm originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: EA's persistent profile service is subscription-based, offers early game downloads

JC Fletcher — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:40:00 EST

Those new "persistent" EA profiles, that are meant to carry a player's profile and achievements across EA Sports games, don't seem very controversial, right? Just a nice bonus for players.

What if that profile was the harbinger of a subscription service, though? Pastapadre posted what is claimed to be a document from EA Sports outlining a new annual subscription-based offering for multiple sports games on PS3 and Xbox 360, offering DLC discounts, exclusive DLC, and in-game items for Madden, FIFA, NHL, Tiger Woods, and NCAA Football games -- as well as the only game named specifically instead of by series, SSX: Deadly Descents (which isn't even called that anymore).

On top of all that stuff, the document claims that the subscription will offer "full downloadable versions of participating titles before they come out in stores," which we could see people gladly paying for. In addition, players would have the ability "to transfer paid content from your current participating titles to future title versions."

EA had no comment about this rumored program when Game Informer asked, and no potential price point was offered. Hopefully, for the sake of gamers' bank accounts everywhere, EA doesn't realize how much it could make by offering Madden to people a bit early.

Rumor: EA's persistent profile service is subscription-based, offers early game downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runic: No subscription for Torchlight MMO

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST

It seems the MMO-ified version of Runic Games' mine-dwelling RPG Torchlight will attempt to avoid one of the genre's biggest pitfalls: trying to go head-to-head with Blizzard's gigantic, millions-of-players-strong monster. In a recent interview with Charge Shot, Runic CEO Max Schaefer explained, "I don't think really anyone can do [subscriptions] anymore because pretty much everyone that does subscriptions has one for World of Warcraft." Subsequently, the company will not pursue a subscription model for the Torchlight MMO.

We appreciate the sentiment, but we think Schaefer's underestimating how many of us MMO players are just fabulously wealthy. We can afford to subscribe to more than one thing, you know? As of right now, we're subscribed to WoW, EQ2, EVE Online, DC Universe Online, Final Fantasy XIV, Warhammer Online and the Potpourri of the Month Club.

... Let's just pretend that we didn't say that last one, okay?

Runic: No subscription for Torchlight MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIFT subscription deals available through March 31

Randy Nelson — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST

Trion Worlds' assault on World of Warcraft, the just-launched RIFT, is the same price to play per month -- but if you subscribe now through the end of March, it'll cost you less. Its publisher announced today that it's extending the "Founder's Subscription" pricing plans through March 31, offering as much as $5 per month off in exchange for buying in for six months.

A half-year of play time is going for $10 a month for the time being, with three-months at $11. Once April rolls around, RIFT subscriptions will run $15 a month, or $11 if bought six months at a time. It's not a massive savings, but anything to save come copper, right?

Continue reading RIFT subscription deals available through March 31

RIFT subscription deals available through March 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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App Store apps and games can now charge subscriptions

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:58:00 EST

We understand and appreciate the fact that we're your only source of important, relevant news and information -- but the launch of Rupert Murdoch's iPad-only newspaper The Daily is something that definitely deserves your attention. See, the publication requires an unprecedented in-App subscription to access; a feature that Apple has now enabled for developers of all apps, including iOS games.

The subscriptions are purchased in the same manner as in-app content, and publishers are free to set the price and length of subscription at whatever point they choose. Steve Jobs explained the revenue sharing system set in place for subscriptions in a press release, saying "when Apple brings a new subscriber to the app, Apple earns a 30 percent share; when the publisher brings an existing or new subscriber to the app, the publisher keeps 100 percent and Apple earns nothing." He says Apple requires publishers offering special deals on their subscriptions to have those deals reflected in-app as well.

So, how about it, gang? Any apps or games on your iOS devices that you'd drop a steady stream of bucks to play? We're not crazy about the idea, but if that's what it takes to get some more new boxes in Cut the Rope, we could be persuaded.

App Store apps and games can now charge subscriptions originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beachhead studio to work on Call of Duty 'digital platform' [update]

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:12:00 EST

Did you know "about as many people have played Black Ops as there are members of Netflix?" That should, hopefully, put into perspective how massive the Call of Duty audience is -- and why Activision's Bobby Kotick is so focused on "the sustained online engagement and enjoyment of Call of Duty audiences."

Map packs have been generating big bucks for the company, so it's no surprise that Activision has created a new "wholly owned" studio, Beachhead, to work exclusively on "the development of an innovative new digital platform and special services for our Call of Duty community," Without going into specifics, Kotick said that Beachhead's role would be to "[focus] on the delivery, digitally, of new, innovative Call of Duty content and services [that] will enable tens of millions of players around the world to continue to enjoy the experience that Call of Duty offers."

This sounds like a potential subscription service, something Activision has expressed interest in the past. Since then, the company has promised "never" to charge for multiplayer. So, what could this possibly mean? More map packs? Or is Activision proving Pachter, who has long predicted subscription fees for the franchise, right?

Update: Kotick described "Project Beachhead" in further detail. The full quote is offered after the break.

Continue reading Beachhead studio to work on Call of Duty 'digital platform' [update]

Beachhead studio to work on Call of Duty 'digital platform' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lock in a cheap DC Universe Online subscription starting Feb. 8

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST

A price drop for DC Universe Online's subscription already? Not quite, our costume-clad consumer friends. Senior producer Wes Yanagi did, however, detail a "promotional rate" of $30 for three months of service, beginning February 8, in a post on PlayStation Blog.

Dubbed the "DC Universe Online Legend Plan," the promo offers 25 percent off the standard three-month rate of $42 and will allow players to continue paying that rate once the initial quarter-year subscription expires. The promotion ends on March 1, so get in while the getting's good!

[Thanks, Wombat!]

Lock in a cheap DC Universe Online subscription starting Feb. 8 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnLive's flat-rate PlayPack plan is live for all, debuts with 38 games

Randy Nelson — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST

After a couple of months in beta, OnLive's PlayPack plan, which offers unlimited access to a selection of titles on the service for $10 a month, has officially launched. Saying that "the meteoric growth of Netflix reflects the enormous consumer demand for flat-rate instant-play media," company CEO and founder Steve Perlman made no secret of the company's inspiration for PlayPack when commenting on its official debut.

OnLive hopes to grow the PlayPack selection with "premium, indie and classic games" on "a regular basis," with new additions being selected in part based on feedback from subscribers to the plan. The day one lineup of 38 games can be found after the break, and includes some titles that are entirely new to the service, most notably the original BioShock.

Continue reading OnLive's flat-rate PlayPack plan is live for all, debuts with 38 games

OnLive's flat-rate PlayPack plan is live for all, debuts with 38 games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You can put a price on Love, and that price is now 10 euros

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 22:10:00 EST

Indie developer Eskil Steenberg's procedural, super-pretty world-building MMO Love has gone through a ton of changes in the past few months -- all of which are highlighted in this press release, which isn't a press release at all, but rather, a Craigslist Missed Connections Listing. How wonderful.

The most significant change? The game's pay-per-play subscription fee has been reduced to €10 (call it: $13.50 and change) for 180 days of playtime. (Previously, €10 got you just 30 days of Love.)

You can check out a video demonstration of some of the game's new features (as well as a basic tutorial led by Eskil himself) after the jump. Just try to stop the video as soon as it's over, because as you might imagine, the YouTube suggestions for a video titled "Love Tutorial" are unspeakably weird.

Continue reading You can put a price on Love, and that price is now 10 euros

You can put a price on Love, and that price is now 10 euros originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DC Universe Online enlisting recruits Jan. 11 in NA, Jan. 14 in UK

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST

Since being pushed to an amorphous "spring 2011" release window back in October, DC Universe Online has been given a solid launch date once and for all: January 11 in North America and January 14 in the UK. Sony Online Entertainment confirmed the dates in an interview with IGN, also announcing the game's $199 lifetime subscription price (a bit over 13 months worth of sub. fees), as well as it's main pricing structure: $49.99 on PC / $59.99 on PS3 with one month subscription, $14.99 for subsequent months.

"We're going to be here for far more than a single year. We've got a lot of universe to build, and we're not going to stop anytime soon," game director Chris Cao said of the lifetime subscription pricing. Cao also detailed an end-of-the-world event that will take place within DCUO before it launches in January. "Jim Lee and our friends at DC are going to join us in a live, end-of-beta event where players will fight alongside and against the iconics as Brainiac's menace yet looms," he explained, adding, "It will be an epic end and thank you for beta. And it will set the stage for the real struggle to come in live."

Another struggle to come alongside the game's launch? How to get players to choose another mentor -- as expected, Superman was the favorite "by far." Of course, we'll be bucking the trend with a super villain mimicking hip-hop personality MF Doom. Too obvious?

DC Universe Online enlisting recruits Jan. 11 in NA, Jan. 14 in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reuters: Microsoft in talks to bring subscription TV, networks to Xbox Live

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST

We heard some buzz back in April about Microsoft execs considering the addition of a "television channel" to Xbox Live, allowing subscribers to view reruns and original programming for an additional buck or two per month. Today, Reuters reports that a pair of unnamed insiders has claimed Microsoft has held meetings with various media companies to discuss licensing of television programs to be streamed through such an application.

These talks, according to the sources, have been productive (though the launch of an Xbox Live TV service could be as far as a year out) and have included the potential to add interactive elements into shows viewed through the console and a "content silos" option, so that users could select entire networks (e.g., HBO or Showtime) to subscribe to. We'd definitely want to see an AMC channel, so we could get our Breaking Bad Mad Men Walking Dead on. Oh! And TBS -- for Conan. In fact, we could totally get down with an "all the awesome shows that they don't have on Hulu for some reason" channel.

Reuters: Microsoft in talks to bring subscription TV, networks to Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision will 'never' charge for Call of Duty multiplayer, Hirshberg says

David Hinkle — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST

"Are we going to be charging for multiplayer? The answer is no," Activision's Eric Hirshberg, CEO of the Publishing division, told IndustryGamers in what we could only hope was a Stuart Smalley staring-in-the-mirror moment. "The experience you have out of the box, connecting with the online community to play Call of Duty is absolutely integral to the experience, and we'll never charge for that. It's not going to be something we'll attempt to monetize; it's part of the package."

As if his point wasn't clear, Hirshberg further insisted that he could say "unequivocally" that Activision will "never, ever charge for the multiplayer." Earlier this month, statements from both Hirshberg and CFO Thomas Tippl hinted at vague plans to better monetize the franchise next year with more digital content, which in turn renewed speculation about the long-considered Call of Duty subscription model.

Activision will 'never' charge for Call of Duty multiplayer, Hirshberg says originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnLive now working over Wi-Fi, announces 'Indie Fest'

Mike Schramm — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

OnLive has begun rolling out support for Wi-Fi connections to its cloud gaming service. So sure is the company that it can offer lag free streaming of game content that it is bringing Wi-Fi support to subscribers before it planned to. Support is still in beta, but most OnLive members are supposed to see the fuctionality available sometime this month. OnLive users with questions can get answers from this FAQ.

Additionally, the company has announced an initiative to support indie games on the service, offering its developer tools and SDK to independent game companies to sell their titles to subscribers. This coming weekend, OnLive is holding an "Indie Fest," offering discounts of up to 75% on great indie games like World of Goo, Trine, and AaaaaAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! We would like to know how offering indie games for cheap means you're supporting the developers, but it's cool -- we don't understand how the whole streaming things works so well either.

OnLive now working over Wi-Fi, announces 'Indie Fest' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Sony to announce music/video subscription service, will work with PSP/PS3

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:15:00 EST

The Financial Times is reporting that "sources in the media industry" believe Sony will announce a new subscription-based music and video download service, launching initially on PlayStation 3 and PSP before branching out to other Sony devices. An announcement of such a service could be made as early as later today -- the report expects it to be revealed in Berlin at IFA 2010 during Sony's press conference.

Don't expect to see the service by the holidays, though -- FT's sources say it won't be out until sometime next year "as deals are confirmed with all the major labels and studios." We'll be following IFA throughout the day for any announcements, and our friends at Engadget are on the ground in Germany, so keep an eye out for more in the coming hours.

Rumor: Sony to announce music/video subscription service, will work with PSP/PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Discounted Xbox Live subscription cards available from Amazon, Newegg and others

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:57:00 EST

Did the super-ultra recent Xbox Live Gold subscription price hike announcement fill you with an unbridled, quiet rage? A number of retailers are capitalizing on your frustration by cutting the price of the 12-month subscription card to $40 -- a full Andrew Jackson less than the price that will be adopted in November.

Microsoft is offering a similar, apologetic renewal on Xbox.com -- however, that deal's only applicable for a single year. Some retailers, such as Newegg, will let you order as many of these discounted subscription cards as you want, which you could redeem to extend your Xbox Live Gold subscription until the end of recorded time. That's a bit of a commitment, but think of how thrifty you'll feel!

Discounted Xbox Live subscription cards available from Amazon, Newegg and others originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cryptic not yet sure about pricing plan for new Neverwinter title

Mike Schramm — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

You D&D buffs out there were undoubtedly excited to hear that a new Neverwinter game is coming to life, but just like the real D&D, it might end up laying a critical hit down on your wallet.

In an interview at Gamasutra, Cryptic CEO Jack Emmert admitted that the game doesn't have a business model nailed down yet, and that all options are still on the table, from a "free-to-play with microtransactions" model to a "pay-by-the-minute" one. Emmert makes the point that asking for a subscription is still a viable way to run an MMO -- he fully expects BioWare to charge subscriptions for The Old Republic -- but that requires meeting a very high standard in terms of its content and quality.

Of course, Neverwinter is described more as a "co-op experience" than an MMO, and Emmert says it is indicative of a "new direction for Cryptic." Instead of worrying about MMO standards and traditions, he says, Cryptic wants to "just make great games." Specifically, that means "no more 75 Metacritic scores," he jokes at the end of the interview. "My heart just can't take it anymore."

Cryptic not yet sure about pricing plan for new Neverwinter title originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free Realms offering lifetime memberships for $30

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST

Listen here, you Free Realms freeloader, you. If you've been thinking about throwing some money at Sony Online Entertainment's MMO to get the full experience the game has to offer, you can now get a lifetime membership to the game for a one-time lump sum of $30.

Continue reading Free Realms offering lifetime memberships for $30

Free Realms offering lifetime memberships for $30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnLive reports smooth launch, adds Lego Harry Potter

Mike Schramm — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:05:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

OnLive has posted a "state of the service" on its official blog after ten days of accepting beta users, and from the report, everything seems to be going well. While there were a few bugs, the service has been up 24/7 since launch, and OnLive says it's "accommodated far more members at this stage than ever anticipated." We've contacted the company to see if we can find out just how many members OnLive is serving so far.

And the company is also adding games -- Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 is being added this week, hours before stores open to sell the physical copy of the title. There's a contest as well -- if you happen to be an OnLive member and are the first to complete the game entirely, you can take a video of your winnings, upload it to the service and drop an email about it, and you could win an iPad or iPod touch. We don't know how many people are floating out in the cloud quite yet, but it is drifting right along.

Thanks, Dennis!

OnLive reports smooth launch, adds Lego Harry Potter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: PlayStation Plus launch details

JC Fletcher — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

In case you're still hazy on the precise services included with Sony's PlayStation Plus subscription (and, let's be honest, that's not your fault), Sony recently detailed the initial offerings on PlayStation Blog. This should help you decide whether or not to subscribe when the service becomes available later today. (Protip: You'll need the latest firmware update, 3.40.)

Basically, you pay either $18 for three months or $50 for a year (plus 3 additional months if you sign up for the full year now). Each month new games will be available for you to download and play as long as you keep your subscription active. For the initial month, you'll get access to Wipeout HD, the, Age of Zombies Mini, PSOne Classic Rally Cross, Qore epsidoes, and an inFamous "Full Game Trial" (with option to purchase the full downloaded game and continue where the trial ends).

You'll also be able to set up automatic downloads of this content, if you want to feel like you're paying your PS3 to bring things to you.

Update: Find the full list of PlayStation Plus launch content in our PSN Tuesday update.

[Thanks, Vcize]

PSA: PlayStation Plus launch details originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnLive pre-registrants get free game and one-year subscription

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 30 May 2010 17:30:00 EST

Sometimes, it really does pay to take a leap of faith when it comes to investing in a new piece of technology. For example, OnLive had promised a free three month subscription to the first 25,000 people who pre-registered for the streaming game service. For unknown reasons, that offer has been sweetened -- now, this group is being offered a free game download, as well as a free year of OnLive service with no obligation to continue subscribing once said year has passed.

If you were one of the 25,000 who jumped on the OnLive wagon early, check your email before June 3 to get in on this super attractive offer.

OnLive pre-registrants get free game and one-year subscription originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Sony to reveal 'PSN+' subscription service at E3 2010

Xav de Matos — Tue, 25 May 2010 09:05:00 EST

According to Joystiq's sources, Sony is set to reveal a premium tier of the PlayStation Network service, labeled PSN+, during its 2010 E3 media briefing. Unlike Microsoft's Xbox Live Gold service, PSN+ will focus on giving paid subscribers additional bonuses without limiting online multiplayer between paying and nonpaying users.

Many of the features included in the premium service mimic those featured in a supposed survey released late last year. Sources tell us that subscribers will have access to a rotating list of PSP Minis and PSone Classics, exclusive in-game DLC, discounts to the PlayStation Store and "first hour" demo access to full retail titles. Following the first hour of gameplay, players will have the ability to purchase the full title; however, demo access will only be available once the entire title has been downloaded.

As PSN+ subscribers, gamers will also receive protection for their consoles with the recently announced PlayStation Protection Plan, as well as exclusive access to the long-awaited cross-game voice chat. Additional features are said to be in the works following the launch of PSN+, including the previously rumored cloud-based saving system.

Joystiq has been informed that PSN+ subscribers will also have the ability to enable an auto-patching feature, which will detect, download and install updates for recently played PS3 titles on the system.

Pricing and a release for the PSN+ service is unknown, though one source speculates PSN+ may cost $9.99 per month. When contacted, a Sony representative said the company does not "comment on rumors or speculation."

Rumor: Sony to reveal 'PSN+' subscription service at E3 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Starcraft 2 offering subscription plans in Latin America, Asia and Russia

David Hinkle — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:30:00 EST

Plans for a subscription-based StarCraft 2 are in the works for Latin America, Asia and Russia. While US gamers will only pay a one-time fee to start harvesting Vespene Gas on July 27, players abroad will be offered two different ways to play: subscription or an all-access fee.

A press release detailing plans for localization in Latin American Spanish for Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Chile covers the subscription model. By picking up the title for $299 MXN / $119 ARS / $13,900 CLP -- about $30 USD -- gamers will be given access to the single-player and multiplayer portions of the game for 60 days. Once that period ends, they can re-up their subscription for a fee (which hasn't been disclosed yet). The other option is to download the game directly from Blizzard for a one-time fee of $59.99 USD, granting permanent access to the title.

During Activision's annual investors call yesterday, Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime confirmed that Blizzard would pursue a similar pricing structure for Asian and Russian territories.

Source - Official press release
Source - Big Download confirms Asia and Russia inclusion

Starcraft 2 offering subscription plans in Latin America, Asia and Russia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lord of the Rings Online celebrating 3rd birthday with $10 subscription

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST

To celebrate the arrival of its third birthday -- or, as is more accurate when describing the age of MMOs, the third year it's managed to avoid the sweet release of a global server shutdown -- Lord of the Rings Online is seeing a temporary reduction in the cost of its monthly subscription fee. From April 26 to June 30, you can grab a three, six or 12 month subscription for LotRO for just $9.99 a month, down from the standard rate of $14.99 a month.

In addition, Turbine is turning up the rare item drop rate for monsters during the birthday festivities, and is providing each player with a skill which reduces the price of vendor goods by 20 percent. That's awfully nice of the studio, but aren't birthday-havers supposed to receive presents, and not give them? We're not complaining, mind you -- we just feel like we're taking advantage.

Lord of the Rings Online celebrating 3rd birthday with $10 subscription originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warhammer Online 'billing error' results in massively multiplayer overcharge

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:06:00 EST

Just like that, we suddenly understand some peoples' stern distaste for subscription-based MMOs. A recent bug in the Warhammer Online billing system charged some players its $14.99 monthly fee dozens of times on their monthly due dates. The amount of the overcharge differs from user to user -- reports on this forum thread average between $200 and $500. One player, who claimed to be repeatedly charged for a $77.94 six-month subscription, was hit with fees totaling $1013.12.

The cause of the error is currently unclear, as is the scope of its impact on the game's subscriber base. EA's billing support department is now in full-on crisis recovery mode, working with each affected player's financial institution to refund the fees within "24-36 hours." Considering that this debacle could have likely led to any number of overdraft fees and bounced rent checks for the over-charged, it could prove quite a costly recovery for EA.

[Via Kotaku]

Warhammer Online 'billing error' results in massively multiplayer overcharge originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warhammer Online endless free trial now instantly upgradeable

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST

EA Mythic is making an even stronger push to try to hook trial players on Warhammer Online, allowing them to upgrade their copy of the game without requiring them to visit a tangible, brick-and-mortar retailer. Now, players who partake in the "endless" free trial can access the title's full portfolio of quests, areas, and baddies by simply subscribing to the game -- purchasing the client itself is no longer necessary.

Of course, the retail version of the game comes with a free month-long subscription, so it's not that huge a savings. Still, you now have the option of upgrading your account without interrupting your zealous Realm vs. Realm campaign.

[Via Massively]

Warhammer Online endless free trial now instantly upgradeable originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA expecting two million subscribers for Star Wars: The Old Republic

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST

Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia recently visited EA to check in on the progress of the company's upcoming, cutscene-driven MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic. He reported that "earnings are somewhat depressed" due to the development costs for the game, but EA management is hopeful that they'll recoup this cash when the title brings in over two million subscribers. He added that, at the very least, the game needs over one million players in order for EA to break even.

We think they might be setting the bar a little too high for themselves. Why not make the monthly subscription fee cost $20,000, and then just hope that 500 outrageously wealthy, rabid Star Wars fans hop on board? There have got to be at least 500 successful venture capitalists out there who own a baker's dozen of collectible Millennium Falcon models.

EA expecting two million subscribers for Star Wars: The Old Republic originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision expresses interest in subscription-based Call of Duty

David Hinkle — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:40:00 EST

Infinity Ward may have tried to distance itself from the rumors about the Call of Duty franchise going down Subscription Lane[TM], but Activision head honcho Bobby Kotick said otherwise during the publishing giant's recent earnings call. "If you think about the success that we've had in other product categories on subscription, you can get a sense of the direction that we want to take that franchise," he said.

It's by no means a confirmation that you'll be Oscar Mike to the Inn before heading into the Den of Eternal Bunnyhoppers or whatever. But if there's anything Activision is good at, it's learning how to make more money from the massive amounts of money it's already made -- and subscription-based games generate the cash money on a monthly basis.

Activision expresses interest in subscription-based Call of Duty originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSN survey hints at upcoming subscription-based features

Mike Schramm — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST

Sony's European team has sent out a survey to some of its UK PSN members asking them yet again about possible subscription models for the service. The survey is run by a market research company called Ipsos, and appears to offer up a list of possible member benefits for a few different plan tiers, along with pricing for each. The benefits range from more tame ideas like exclusive and early access to content to more interesting options like "free title trials" (first hour of a game for free), user-to-user challenges, "token wagering" and a service called "catch-up TV." Oh, and since it's Sony we're talking about, there's even a listed option for "cloud storage space for games." You can find the full list of possible features after the jump.

The price options differ from plan to plan, but they go as cheap as £2.99 (about $5 U.S.) up to £14.99 (about $25) for monthly fees, with annual fees also listed for 55% less than you'd pay month to month (so around £19.99 up to £99.99, or $32 to $160). Note that just because all of these things are on a survey doesn't mean that Sony has them up and running -- it only means that they're testing the water in terms of what UK members are willing to pay for certain features. But you can just add this to the growing mountain of evidence that Sony is planning some sort of premium subscription service.

[Thanks Marc and everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading PSN survey hints at upcoming subscription-based features

PSN survey hints at upcoming subscription-based features originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Survey hints at premium PSN subscriptions

David Hinkle — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST

Kotaku reports that a survey from IPSOS Online Research has been sent out, gauging interest (again) in premium subscriptions to PSN. One of PSN's most-touted features has been its low price of free, so if Sony's thinking about asking for membership fees, it had better offer some extra goods, right?

Well, the survey hints at such goodies as hour-long trials for full PS3 titles, access to PSOne Classics and cross-game voice chat; the latter being a feature that PS3 gamers have been waiting on for decades but, if this survey is to be believed, would be exclusive to premium members. The survey also discusses the addition of Cloud Storage -- online space that allows users to store saved data, instead of housing it on their hard drive -- and Tokens. These Tokens would be a kind of added currency, which can then be used to redeem goods on PSN. But that's not it! It gets even crazier. The survey also adds member-exclusive programs into the mix, such as streaming Netflix without a disk and special Hulu support, as well as free access to Minis and premium themes.

The survey also details a few different subscription models, including a $69.99 yearly plan and several options for monthly fees. Hit up Kotaku for some supposed screen grabs from the survey detailing the subscription plans.

Rumor: Survey hints at premium PSN subscriptions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony considering monthly fees for PSN content, services

Justin McElroy — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST

We know there's a temptation to freak out, but just stick with us until the second graph, okay? When asked by Nikkei Japan how the company managed the cost of maintaining the free PlayStation Network, Sony Computer Entertainment executive VP Masayuki Chatani highlighted the possibility of new revenue streams, saying, "In addition to single-payment packaged software, there are also schemes like monthly fees or per-item charges."

As GameIndustry.biz points out, Chatani could be talking about any number of different items and monthly-charged services delivered via PSN -- as was vaguely referenced in a presentation last month. Viewed together, the comments may seem troubling, but additional services don't necessarily equate to PSN itself becoming a subscription service. If Sony wanted to lose the biggest advantage of its online service just as the PS3 builds up a good head of steam, a funeral service might become more appropriate.

Sony considering monthly fees for PSN content, services originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony 'looking into' subscription-based PSN services for new revenue stream

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST

Whoa, hey. Slow your roll, sir. We know seeing the terms "PSN" and "subscription" in the same headline might have set off a few red flags for you, but let's look at this logically. Earlier today, Sony released the presentation report from its media and investor conference, one portion of which focused on the future profitability of its gaming platform. One element of the company's strategy is turning a larger profit on PlayStation Network -- and yes, according to the report, Sony's planning to obtain a "new revenue stream from subscription."

Now, this doesn't necessarily mean the currently free online service will start charging its users at some point during this next year. It's far more likely that the line in the report was referring to new subscription-based features, such as the PSP rental service or one of SOE's upcoming MMOs.

We contacted Sony about the reference to PSN subscriptions, and a representative responded, saying, "We have not made any formal announcements on a subscription based service. We're looking into a variety of options." It sounds like the company has yet to set any subscription plans in stone -- or perhaps Sony's just now gauging the community's reaction to the concept of a pay-to-play PSN. If that's the case, the comments on this post could likely provide an adequate barometer for how this news would be received. But that's just our hunch ...

Source - "Media / Investor Conference - November 19th 2009" [PDF]

Sony 'looking into' subscription-based PSN services for new revenue stream originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carmack says ad-based model not working for Quake Live

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST

In addition to announcing support for Quake Live on Mac and Linux, John Carmack admitted that the current ad-based model wasn't exactly working for the game. To assuage the problem, id Software will soon be offering a subscription model in addition to the free-to-play model currently in place.

"The in-game advertising stuff has not been big business .... [it's] not going to be able to carry the project," Carmack said. Dually, he noted that while a subscription service will be offered, the game will never go exclusively "pay-to-play." According to Shacknews, the subscription model will allow players to create and host private server matches.This all sounds good to us -- now maybe all the hardcore Quake Live players will play in private servers and allow us to get a single shot off.

Carmack says ad-based model not working for Quake Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Champions Online offers $200 lifetime subscription, Star Trek Online beta access

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST

The subscription plans for Cryptic's super-powered MMO Champions Online were revealed via a pre-order offer the developer just announced. Potential players who anticipate their prolonged enjoyment of the title can shell out $199.99 for a lifetime subscription to the game, while those desiring a less permanent commitment can sign up for a $59.99 six-month plan. Cryptic explained the latter would normally cost players $89.99 if paid for on a monthly basis -- seeing as how $90 divided by six equals $15, it's safe to assume that'll be the monthly fee for access to the game.

Pre-ordering one of these two subscription plans nets players a whole slew of bonuses, the most desirable of which is access to the closed beta for Star Trek Online, which will take place "later this year." Both plans also garner players an in-game "art deco" costume set -- but lifetime subscribers also get the "retro future" costume set, an in-game Foxbat action figure, eight additional character slots and even an additional costume for STO which will appear in players' inventory at launch. In the business, that's what we like to call "The Works."

[Via Massively]

Champions Online offers $200 lifetime subscription, Star Trek Online beta access originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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APB developer cryptic about subscription model

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST

Despite the fact that we've known about Realtime Worlds' MMO APB for almost four years now, details surrounding the game are slim. One important piece of non-existent info: What's the subscription plan going to look like? Registration fees that are too steep (or too shallow, for that matter) have been known to sink MMOs in the past. We already knew the game would have an "untraditional" payment model -- but we aren't much closer to knowing any specifics.

In a recent interview with VG247, Realtime's Dave Jones explained the game (which has cost $30 million to develop and provide server support for) will be a "traditional game that you buy," but that players won't need to "subscribe to play the game every month." He also claimed the subscription plan will be "unique" and "flexible," and will allow players to "get" why they're paying. Our guess? Realtime's going to set up a jar which players will be forced to drop nickels into whenever they curse.

APB developer cryptic about subscription model originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Micro-transaction model a possibility for WoW

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST

VideoGamer.com's recent interview with Blizzard's Tom Chilton, game director for the totally underground MMO World of Warcraft, is full of interesting tidbits for the WoW-innoculated -- info on the possible new races and classes that could make their way into the new expansions, in-game territories yet to be explored, etc. However, one blurb from the interview has the online gaming world a-buzzin' -- probably because said blurb references the possibility of a free-to-play, micro-transaction business model for the monolithic title.

Don't get your dander up too fast -- Chilton merely said, "I certainly think it's possible that we could do some kind of micro-transaction stuff," later adding that, "whether we ever shift to a free-to-play model is really too hard to say at this point." It's unlikely they'll make the switch as long as the game continues to be a veritable assembly line for giant bags of money, however. What do you guys think? Would you support a transaction-based WoW?

Micro-transaction model a possibility for WoW originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix sued over allegedly concealed FFXI fees

Xav de Matos — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:00 EST

According to the Courthouse News Service, a federal class action lawsuit has been brought against Square Enix for allegedly lying or "concealing its monthly fees, penalties for late payments, interest, restrictions and other things that should have been filly disclosed at points of purchase" for the MMO Final Fantasy XI.

Plaintiff Esther Leong of San Francisco is seeking more than $5 million for what she alleges to be "unfair business practices, false advertising and unjust enrichment."

It's unclear how Square Enix has hidden the subscription nature of Final Fantasy XI from potential (or ongoing) players. The game's official website (above) clearly states a monthly fee is required to play the online-only title, when clicking a tab labeled "Monthly Fees" -- as well as listing the subscription-based nature of the game on all retail packaging. Fair warning from the far-flung future to any and all involved in this hilariously moronic suit, Final Fantasy XIV is an MMO too. Anticipate a subscription ... or at least prep for another lawsuit.

Update: LGJ columnist Mark Methenitis takes a closer look at the class action on his Law of the Game blog.

[Via 1UP]

Square Enix sued over allegedly concealed FFXI fees originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dungeons and Dragons Online not free-to-play in Europe

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST

Yesterday, Turbine made a startling announcement that wowed penny-wise online gamers -- its D20 rollin' MMO, Dungeons and Dragons Online would receive a free-to-play edition with the subtitle Eberron Unlimited. There's just one caveat -- Unlimited is going live this summer in North America only. Codemasters confirmed the European exclusion in a statement, explaining "DDO Europe will not be assuming this new business model and the European DDO game service will remain a monthly subscription-based game."

There's a chance that Europe could eventually gain access to Unlimited, as the statement mentions, "as the beta progresses we will release more information regarding the future plans for EU players." Keep your eyes peeled and your perception checks high for more news on the matter as the beta opens its doors.

Dungeons and Dragons Online not free-to-play in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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