PSN 'Welcome Back' Program Gives You Free Content

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Korten12

Now I want ma...!
Aug 26, 2009
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From IGN: http://ps3.ign.com/articles/116/1165399p1.html

During a press conference tonight in Tokyo, Sony detailed what it will reward PlayStation Network users when the service is turned back on next week after being shut down due to an illegal intrusion.

Sony announced its "Welcome Back" program worldwide, giving all existing PlayStation Network users 30 days of PlayStation Plus for free. Current PSN+ members will receive 30 days of additional service for free. It will also provide "selected PlayStation entertainment content" for free download. Details for each region will be announced at a later date. Music Unlimited subscribers (in countries where the service is available) will receive 30 days free service.

"This criminal act against our network had a significant impact not only on our consumers, but our entire industry," said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. "These illegal attacks obviously highlight the widespread problem with cyber-security. We take the security of our consumers' information very seriously and are committed to helping our consumers protect their personal data. In addition, the organization has worked around the clock to bring these services back online, and are doing so only after we had verified increased levels of security across our networks.

"Our global audience of PlayStation Network and Qriocity consumers was disrupted. We have learned lessons along the way about the valued relationship with our consumers, and to that end, we will be launching a customer appreciation program for registered consumers as a way of expressing our gratitude for their loyalty during this network downtime, as we work even harder to restore and regain their trust in us and our services."

Sony also said it is working with the FBI criminal investigation to track down who hacked the network. The company re-confirmed it does not believe credit card information was taken, but says customers should keep an eye on their bank statements. Of the 78 million PSN users, roughly 10 million had active credit cards on their account.

When the Network goes live next week, users must download a new system firmware update and will ask users to create a new password. Sony will also do a phased rollout by region for services. These include:

- Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation 3 and PSP systems. This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games

- Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers. Sony will have a phased rollout by region for PlayStation Network next week. The services that will be available include:

- Access to account management and password reset

- Access to download un-expired Movie Rentals on PS3, PSP and MediaGo

- PlayStation Home

- Friends List

- Chat Functionality

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SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTT! THANKS SONY!!!
 

Twilight_guy

Sight, Sound, and Mind
Nov 24, 2008
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So they're trying to make people come back by offering incentives. I don' think I'll be buying anything soon but free stuff can't be bad.
 

Gaiseric

New member
Sep 21, 2008
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Considering I didn't want any free stuff to begin with I'd say some free Playstation Plus is nice.
 

Mr. Omega

ANTI-LIFE JUSTIFIES MY HATE!
Jul 1, 2010
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Free stuff. That's awesome. I would have just been happy being able to play online again. But since they were so nice... *Gets ready for a spree of free downloads*
 

kortin

New member
Mar 18, 2011
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Twilight_guy said:
So they're trying to make people come back by offering incentives. I don' think I'll be buying anything soon but free stuff can't be bad.
I don't believe they are. They are just saying "we fucked up, heres a cookie". Free stuff is never bad. :D Imma be able to get sonic the hedgehog free of charge (free for ps+ users <3)
 

Enzeru92

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Oct 18, 2008
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Thats cool was going to comeback anyways since am a Sony fan(though i own a 360 >_>)
 

badgersprite

[--SYSTEM ERROR--]
Sep 22, 2009
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Yeah, this is basically what I was expecting from them. I approve of this.

Has there been any word on when the specific date that PSN will go back up, by the way? I see "next week" but that's kind of vague.
 

kortin

New member
Mar 18, 2011
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badgersprite said:
Yeah, this is basically what I was expecting from them. I approve of this.

Has there been any word on when the specific date that PSN will go back up, by the way? I see "next week" but that's kind of vague.
I am guessing tuesday. That being said, I have no actual Idea, but i really do hope its tuesday.
 

DustyDrB

Made of ticky tacky
Jan 19, 2010
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I'm just glad that I'll be able to get onto Playstation Home again. How am I living without it?
/sarcasm
 

OutforEC

Professional Amateur
Jul 20, 2010
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"When the Network goes live next week"

I don't even care about the extra 30 days of Plus, but this is good info.
 

Easton Dark

New member
Jan 2, 2011
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I would have just been happy with PSN coming back!

Thanks Sony! I would never consider getting PS+ myself, but if you're offering...
 

mysecondlife

New member
Feb 24, 2011
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Sony stated that they would also provide free identity-theft service and service those who changed their credit card number. That part wasn't on there, so I'm letting you know..

http://news.cnet.com/8301-31021_3-20058731-260.html
 

Paksenarrion

New member
Mar 13, 2009
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I was kinda hoping the hack was really a Portal AR publicity stunt. I'd like to see a Cave Johnson commercial talking about it.
 

Sniper Team 4

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Apr 28, 2010
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Hm...I would have preferred a free credit to the store, but okay. Hey. Is Sonic 2 still free for Plus users? That's really the only thing I can see myself getting. Then again, I don't really know Plus's benefits, so I'll look around.