In a recently issued survey conducted by SCEA to its customers, questions seems to refer to a number of online features that sound similar to Microsoft’s Xbox Live service, and could be an indicator of what Sony is planning for the PS3.

Clearly one of Microsoft’s strengths is its online service. Xbox Live, despite being a broadband-only service, helped to make playing online on consoles much more popular over the past few years. While Microsoft’s network is much more tightly managed and offers universal features across all Xbox Live games, Sony would rather leave online gaming to the publishers and developers it seems.

That could soon be changing with the launch of the PlayStation 3, however. Sony Computer Entertainment America recently sent out an email survey to registered consumers, inquiring about gamers’ online habits and what features matter most. Although there’s no guarantee that Sony will ape Microsoft with a more centralized, robust online service of its own, the fact that the company is even asking its customers what they want is surely a good sign. Sony’s survey questions follow below:

1. On a typical day, how often do you play games online?
2. Do you own a PSP?
3. What is your preferred Online gaming format?
4. What Online Gaming Formats do you own?
5. Do you think you will purchase a PS3?
6. A single identity and password for all online games?
7. Global Lobbies allowing you to play against anyone in the world?
8. Game Lobbies should be language based. (English, French, German etc)
9. Game Lobbies should be based geographically.
10. A standard, interactive lobby structure for all games.
11. Headset support in all online games?
12. A QWERTY keyboard as standard for messaging.
13. USB Keyboard support for every online title.
14. Friend List allowing you to see online/offline status?
15. Friend List allowing you to see what game your friends are playing?
16. Private Messaging across games?
17. A feedback rating allowing you to choose who you play against?
18. Ability to remove players out via a majority vote?
19. Game Host has the ability to remove players?
20. Automatically filter opponents based on connection quality?
21. The ability to download music, game demos and other content?
22. Ability to access the dedicated game forum whilst in game?
23. Ability to take screenshots during the game and share them with friends?
24. Ability to take movie clips in game and share them with friends?
25. Ability to play my music during a game?
26. An in game grief reporting system?
27. Ability to access and manage your gaming profile via PC, PSP as well as PS3?
28. Community features without the need for a game disc.
29. Ability to choose an Avatar for all online titles.
30. The inclusion of a web browser.
31. A specific lobby only for Adults.
32. Service should feature a Global Ranking system for each game.
33. Game Lobbies should be Eyetoy compatible.