Welcome Back Playstation!

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.

The company announced its "Welcome Back" program worldwide, giving all existing PlayStation Network users 30 days of PlayStation Plus for free. Current PlayStation Plus members will receive 30 days of additional service at no cost. Sony will also provide "selected PlayStation entertainment content" for free to download. Details for each region will be announced at a later date. Additionally, 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.

- Associated Press

Sony's Kaz Hirai addresses the media in Tokyo.

"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 PlayStation Network. The company reaffirmed it does not believe credit card information was taken, but says customers should keep an eye on their bank statements as a precaution. Of the 77 million registered PSN accounts, roughly 10 million have active credit cards tied to them. 

When PlayStation Network goes live next week, users must download a new system firmware update and will force users to create a new login password. Sony will also do a phased rollout by region for PSN services. Next week's initial rollout includes:


- 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



One of the major services that won't be available initially is the PlayStation Store. Sony did not give a timeframe for when it wil be back up, but the company stated that all PlayStation Network services will operational by the end of May.