Earlier today we brought news that Sony would be providing a year’s free identity theft insurance to US PSN users in the wake of the recent attacks, and the company have now given a bit of an update on how that will work here in the EU.
Writing on the PlayStation Blog, Nick Caplin, SCEE Head of Communications had this to say:
As I have explained previously, creating a similar [identity theft protection] offering for the many countries within the SCEE region is a very complicated process. Each country has a different way of handling identity theft; some offer relatively sophisticated services whilst others are much more modest.
We are currently in the process of identifying how we manage this situation and once the programme is ready to launch, we will provide details of exactly which services are available in each country and explain how to sign up. We hope to do this early next week.
Caplin also gave a little more information of what exactly will make up the ‘Welcome Back’ package that will go live when the Network returns. PS3 users will be able to choose two games from a list of five, whilst PSP users will be able to choose two from a list of four. It’s unclear if the PS3 games will be full downloads like the ones that have recently begun appearing on the Store, or just the smaller PSN titles, and equally it’s not mentioned if those who own a PS3 and PSP will be entitled to both offers, a choice between them, or a mix of the two. The package has previously been confirmed to include a free 30 days of PlayStation Plus and extensions to Plus and Qriocity subscriptions.
As far as when the Network itself will be back up, Caplin gave no further information: “Please be assured that we are continuing to work around the clock to have some PlayStation Network and Qriocity services restored and will provide you with specific details shortly.” The last we heard, the plan was to get limited access online by the end of this week.
Source: EU PS Blog
SolidSnake1324
The EU Blog just posted an update:
http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2011/05/07/service-restoration-update/
BrainDiver
Nice one Sony, just make sure I don’t have em all, mmm’kay? ;)
XisTG
Looks like no Uncharted meet tomorrow :/
aerobes
Very generous though, chances are I have them (bought over 200 items from the store, not including DLC).
I don’t mind, It’ll just be nice to have PSN back.
In the unlikely event you’re reading this Sony, focus on your security! That’s the most important thing. Gamers have a long long history of being able to wait for things so don’t be too hasty in pleasuring the masses.
Security is where it’s at. Provide us all with a very nice interrupt-free gaming experience that we can have faith in and that’s where it all begins. A solid base.
freezebug2
Maybe they could offer a choice of titles from the LoveFilm range for anyone that doesn’t want/need games as an alternative. That might suit some people more. Mind you, I could see the “Gentlemans” range getting a bashing if they did that!
aerobes
Great point, freeze.
It’s a unique opportunity to push those applications that perhaps aren’t as well known about or seldom used.
I certainly wouldn’t say no to some free movies from the video section of the store. ;)
freezebug2
Of course! The video store, I’ve never used that facility and tend to think of it as a part of Lovefilm, but It’d be cool if a few choices from that store were included in the freebies that we could have.
Shaggy2Dope
Compared to how much our patience was tested with Gran Turismo 5, this wait seems like a walk in the park!
Ouninpohja
Having said that,will they be download or hard copies!
If it’s the latter then they’ll probably be sent out to the PSN address…
brewersteve
If thats the case then Google HQ will be inundated……
PeacekeeperAlpha
Never mind free games or free ps+ or cross game chat, I WANT BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY!
Also with this PS+ – is it true that once the subscription is up you can’t play the free games? How about discounted games?
Just get it back SONY I don’t care about the free stuff!
matthangzhou
Just buy a ps2 if it’s that important?
thedriffter50
” Just buy a ps2 if it’s that important? ”
Stop being so ignorant. So you would go and buy a PS1 just to play PS1 games even though PS2 and PS3 are PS1 BC ?
Thought so same applies here. PS2 is not a reliable system just like the 360 so having PS2 BC is a must.
Wireless controller, infinite memory cards and less wires around the area.
One thing worse then people complaining about PS2 BC is people telling them to ” get a PS2 ”.
fattyuk
Hmmm pot kettle black!
What I want though is for my ps3 to play original xbox games! And if anyone says “go buy an xbox”. Then sorry you’re just being ignorant.
;)
matthangzhou
Wow, so now who is being ignorant. The reason that Sony stopped the backwards compatibility is so that they could remove the emotion engine and the GPU that powered it thereby creating a cheaper model to attract more customers, which in turn creates more profits that the company can pump into making new and fresh games for the console.
Do you believe that Sony removed it just to take advantage of it’s fan base? It is not as simple as flicking a remote switch and “ta da your ps3 can now play ps2 games” as the parts are simply no longer within the actual console.
stillirise6257
i had the original 60GB i think i got it from another foriegn land few months before release in UK and my mate picked up a 20GB, although i had BC i never actually used it :S
i never understood the need for it so much, i had a ps2 upstairs in the loft and still have so many games for it, but its collecting dust…
so why is everyone so up for BC?
thedriffter50
” so why is everyone so up for BC? ”
GTA San Andreas, GTA 3 and Vice City, Resi 4, MGS 2 and 3…should I go on ?
People want to play classics along side new games but want to get rid of the PS2 because its unnecessary when PS3 is capable of emulating it.