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PlayStation Network Returns, Sony Details Complimentary Perks
May 17, 2011 02:30 PM

The PlayStation Network and Qriocity services are finally returning a month after Sony was forced to shut down its online network due to an external intrusion. Although all of the features are not completely restored, online play is fully operational. Yesterday, Sony also announced more details of their “Welcome Back” program that should have gone live a week ago.

Once the online Store returns, all existing users will gain access to the “Welcome Back” gift. Patrick Seybold, Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Social Media, detailed the program in a recent update on the official PlayStation blog. Gamers who did not sign up for PSN Plus accounts before the blackout will receive 30 days of free membership. Existing Plus account holders will get an additional 60 days of subscription paid for by Sony.

Anyone with a PSN account before online services went down back in April will be able to download two PS3 games to keep forever. However, not all games are eligible for this offer. Your choices are Dead Nation, inFAMOUS, LittleBigPlanet, Super Stardust HD and Wipeout HD + Fury. If you are a PSP owner, you can pick two games from the handheld versions of LittleBigPlanet, ModNation Racers, Pursuit Force and Killzone Liberation.

For those not satisfied with complimentary PSN Plus membership and free downloadable games, Sony announced more gifts to woo fans back. They will open up “On Us”– a subsection in the movie department of the online store. This program will give customers access to free movie rentals over one weekend, but representatives did not detail any specific titles. PlayStation Home users will get 100 free virtual items ranging from clothes and objects to personal spaces. If you already were a Music Unlimited Premium Trial subscriber, you will receive 30 days of free premium content. Those with upgraded Premium/Basic memberships will have an additional 30 days of time, free of charge.

These are the confirmed gifts for North America. European and Latin American fans should check their respective PlayStation blogs for more details. It is great to see the PlayStation Network back online even if they are a bit late. It is especially awesome that the “Welcome Back” program is more than just free PSN Plus access. Despite the limited selection of games, offering a pick of two free titles is a nice way for Sony to apologize. But is it enough? Let us know in the comments below!

Links: Sony PlayStation

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