At this year’s Game Developers Conference, GameTrailers’ Geoff Keighley had the opportunity to talk all things PlayStation with Jack Tretton, CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. During the interview, the subject of Premium PlayStation Network subscriptions inevitably came up in conversation, but instead of shying away from the topic Tretton kindly gave an official (or, at least, semi-official) statement about Sony’s plans to implement such a service.

According to Engadget, ‘someone’ has completed a survey for Sony which details services planned for the non-compulsory ‘premium’ PlayStation Network package confirmed by Kaz Hirai back in November. 

Subscription costs are unconfirmed at present, though pricing could be in the region of $20-$60 a year, or alternatively $6-$9 a month. While many PS3 gamers might be disinclined to pay for PSN services, the new scheme does boast an extensive number of new and appealing features. Extended console warranty, beta access, cross-game voice chat, loyalty programs and free access to PSOne Classics, PSP Minis, and PS3/PSP Themes are just a few of the perks that could one day be offered.

The accuracy of this information very much depends on the credibility of Engadget’s source, naturally, but the above does sound quite promising. That being said, though it’s encouraging that the PSN might one day give Xbox LIVE a run for its money, we pray Sony doesn’t forget that the best things in life are free.