One of Sony’s big advantages with the PSN is the ability to play online for free. At an recent Media/Investor Conference, the company revealed that it would look to extend a subscription model to the PSN. The internets got all up in arms that the PSN would soon go the way of Xbox Live, forcing your to pony up heard earned cash to play online. Fortunately, that isn’t the case. Speaking to VG247, Kaz Hirai set the record straight:

SCE will further increase sales by offering users new entertainment through the combination of hardware, software, peripheral and PlayStation Network. Especially in the online area, we are studying the possibility of introducing a subscription model, offering premium content and services, in addition to the current free services.

There you have it. You’ll continue to be able to play online for free. The subscription model is probably referring to features like Qore, where you can get extra content for opening your wallet. I have a feeling most people will opt to pay nothing and roll with the PSN as-is. I’ll wait and see what these premium content and services are before making a decision, but I already subscribe to Qore, so who knows.