Rumor: Premium PSN Service to be Revealed at E3

VG247 is reporting that Sony is preparing to reveal a premium PSN service requiring a subscription fee at E3 2010, citing a "highly-placed source."

Sony's Kaz Hirai had previously stated that Sony had been "studying the possibility of introducing a subscription model, offering premium content and services, in addition to the current free services [of the PlayStation Network]."

Sony VP Peter Dille later confirmed that the company was looking at a premium service, but did not announce anything at the time.

According to VG247's source, Sony might offer a free PSN title from a selection of "two to four" each month to paying subscribers, which could cost "less than £50 per year," which is around $73.

VG247 also claims that a music streaming service similar to Spotify will be announced as well, which is thought to be able to run in the background over games. Cross-game chat, a long-awaited feature for the PSN, will supposedly be available to all users if it is announced.

E3 2010 kicks off in Los Angeles, CA on June 15.