News on New PSN Community Functions and Download Service Coming Soon

Sony senior VP Peter Dille knows we want more from PlayStation Network. It’s a great service considering its age and the fact that it’s free, but in an “Inside PlayStation Network” post on PlayStation.Blog, Dille outlined (with varying levels of detail) the plan to continue improving PSN.

In addition to the new PlayStation Store, which officially reopened yesterday, Dille explained that the key points to making PSN a success are the PlayStation community, free online gaming, digital media download services, and original content.

Interestingly, he harped on one specific point that I happened to also go on about in today’s story on the new XBLA releases. He said, “One of the most critical elements to PLAYSTATION Network that we’ve focused on since day one is delivering quality games. We’ve always stressed quality over quantity (in other words, fewer arcade remakes and more original content) as well as games that show off PS3’s tech, and games like Everyday Shooter, Super Stardust HD and PixelJunk Monsters are proving that you can get a great experience for $10, or roughly the cost of a movie ticket.”

As for the PlayStation Network’s attempt to topple the Xbox Live Video Marketplace, Dille didn’t have any specific announcement to make, but he did say “it’s already been confirmed that we’ll be offering a video service for PS3 in a way that separates the service from others you’ve seen or used. Ultimately the goal of the PLAYSTATION Network service will be to break through the overwhelming clutter of digital media to give you the TV, movies and gaming content you want. More on this very soon …”

In-game XMB is still scheduled to be released this year, along with “other community-related services.” That includes the launch of Home, and he also suggested a system like Xbox Live achievements could be in the works. We had previously heard of this being a feature in Home, but that it wouldn’t be a mandatory feature for games to include achievements. Hopefully Sony will reconsider that particular point.

Dille also confirmed that PlayStation Network cards are “rolling out” to retailers, so there will be denominations of $20 and $50 popping up in stores very soon.

All in all, it sounds like PSN will be continuing to make some solid improvements this year. It remains to be seen how Sony’s download service would separate itself from other services or how well Home will come together. If the PlayStation Store is any indication, though, PSN certainly has a bright future.

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