It was inevitable. Sony today announced Qore, a fully online interactive magazine that integrates with the PlayStation Network to deliver “exclusive news, developer interviews, in-depth game previews and behind-the-scenes looks at PlayStation games and special access to game demos, special beta invitations, game add-ons and other downloadable game-related content.”

Sounds fantastic, but cue the obvious question: will it be free? Nope. In order to access Qore, users will have to pony up $3 per month, or $25 annually.

Since the service won’t launch until this coming Thursday, it’s a bit early to make conclusive judgments, but it seems like Sony is — partially — straying away from its original ideal of a free online network with Qore. By offering exclusive add-on content and demos through the service, this isn’t much different from the perks you get for being an Xbox Live Gold member.

Introducing Qore: Taking you behind the curtain with PlayStation [PS Blog]

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