PlayStation Network returns, with incentives

Literally millions of gamers got to breathe a sigh of relief the previous week when the PlayStation Network was restored and went back online after being down for almost an entire month. The Network is the infrastructure and platform used by Sony’s popular PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable gaming devices, and was taken down due to a hacker intrusion that compromised the personal data of some of its more than 75 million registered users. Data at risk included but was not limited to passwords, addresses, purchases and even credit card numbers. Sony were quick to announce during the return of the PSN that to date, no cases of fraud have been reported, but it doesn’t guarantee that they won’t happen.

Along with the Network, services like Sony’s music program Qriocity and access to Netflix, Hulu, Vudu (where they apply) were also restored. The notable exception is PlayStation Store, which is apparently still down until legal details can be arranged with game publishers about missed promotional events during the downtime. However, Sony insists it will be back up soon as well, with incentives.

Called the “Welcome Back” appreciation program, Sony are giving away free content to its PSN users. The items on offer differ in some cases depending on region. Though we are of course in Asia, many PSN users in the Philippines have accounts registered in North America because pre-paid PSN cards here are only usable with North American accounts, plus certain games are only available in that region, and those tend to be what the dedicated gamer here wants. While some people grumble that it’s not enough to make up for the downtime, others are happy to see the content being offered, considering the Network was a free service anyway to begin with.

For families and all-ages fare, Little Big Planet is the one for you.

The most enticing offer is PS3 users’ choice of two free games from five choices: Infamous, Little Big Planet, Dead Nation, Super Stardust HD and Wipeout HD (with the expansion pack Fury included). These are not minor games, it should be noted. Infamous and Little Big Planet are still on bestseller charts (though they have sequels to promote). They also offer a decent range: Little Big Planet is an all-ages family-friendly game, Stardust is a shooter, Wipeout is a racing game, etc. PSP users can choose to download two free games from these five choices: Little Big Planet (PSP), ModNation Racers, Pursuit Force and Killzone Liberation.

Other freebies include free rental movies where Video Service is available, 30 days free PlayStation Plus membership for non-subscribers (and an additional 60 days of free service for those already members), and about a hundred other free virtual items, ranging from customizable themes and desktops to smaller games. More details will be made available as soon as the PlayStation Store is fully operational.

Though news of the free swag has delighted many, users are in the main just grateful that they can resume playing games that required online access.