While basic functionality will be free forever, assure us, executives at the firm have previously hinted that 'premium' content and services could be offered for a fee - potentially in subscription form.

Speaking with Nikkei, Sony Computer Entertainment technology boss Masuyuki Chatani says that Sony are looking at other ways to increase revenue, to pay for servers and the like.

"Servers and the like have running costs after we sell the hardware, though, we continue to sell products such as content and services. We expect to see considerable growth in digital content, such as game download services, avatar items and the like," Chatani offered.

"We can also accept payment in a growing number of ways. In addition to single-payment packaged software, there are also schemes like monthly fees or per-item charges. I think this variety of payment methods will bring about a diverse range of playing methods, too."

By Luke Guttridge