90w ago - Several months ago we reported that SCEA has created a Sony Network Entertainment America (SNEA) division, and today Sony has officially introduced the rebranding of Qriocity as Sony Entertainment Network.

To quote: Sony Network Entertainment introduces Sony Entertainment Network - find out what it means to you.

On 31 August 2011, Kaz Hirai, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc, made some big announcements for Sony Network Entertainment at the IFA tradeshow in Berlin, Germany. The first of these is a new platform - Sony Entertainment Network.

Sony Entertainment Network is the ultimate digital destination, offering access to entertainment and community, all from your PlayStation Network account.

As part of the change, Qriocity services will be realigned under Sony Entertainment Network. As a consequence, Video on Demand powered by Qriocity will now be called Video Unlimited, and Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity will become Music Unlimited.

Music Unlimited is available on a range of Sony devices including PlayStation 3, and allows users to stream over 10 million unique songs. Video Unlimited is also available on PlayStation 3, where...

105w ago - Today Sony's Senior Director of Corporate Communications & Social Media Patrick Seybold has detailed the North American and European PSN and Qriocity Customer Appreciation Programs.

To quote: Now that some PlayStation Network and Qriocity services have been restored and you're once again enjoying online gaming and entertainment, we're happy to provide details about the "Welcome Back" appreciation program for customers in North America.

We developed the program as an expression of our gratitude for your patience, support and continued loyalty during the service outage. From all of us at PlayStation, thank you and welcome back!

This package will be made available to all existing registered PlayStation Network and Qriocity users in North America (US and Canada), and will be made available shortly after we have fully restored the service. More specific details about these offers and eligibility requirements will be posted as the services go live.

All PlayStation Network customers can select two PS3 games from the following list. The games will be available for 30 days shortly after PlayStation Store is restored and can be kept forever.

• Dead Nation
• inFAMOUS
• LittleBigPlanet
• Super Stardust HD
• Wipeout HD + Fury

107w ago - From their Press Conference today, Kazuo Hirai has briefed the media on Sony's investigation into the PlayStation Network security breach, PSN security measures and service restoration plans.

Sony stated they plan restore some PSN and Qriocity services this week with the rest during the new month, and confirmed that all existing PlayStation Network customers will be provided with 30 days free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service while current members of PlayStation Plus will receive 30 days free service.

To quote from Sony's Sr. Director of Corporate Communications & Social Media Patrick Seybold via the official Press Release:

SOME PLAYSTATION NETWORK AND QRIOCITY SERVICES TO BE AVAILABLE THIS WEEK

Phased Global Rollout of Services to Begin Regionally; System Security Enhanced to Provide Greater Protection of Personal Information

Tokyo, May 1, 2011 - Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) and Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) announced they will shortly begin a phased restoration by region of PlayStationNetwork and Qriocity™ services, beginning with gaming, music and video services to be turned on.

The company also announced both...

108w ago - As a follow-up to yesterday's Q&A #1 comes part two from Sony's Senior Director of Corporate Communications & Social Media Patrick Seybold, as follows:

Yesterday, we addressed a number of your questions relating to the malicious intrusion into our network. You can find that FAQ here. As we get closer to restoration of service, here are more answers to your questions, many of which are more gaming related:

Q: Will our download history/friends list/settings be affected by the PSN downtime?
A: No, they will not.

Q: Will trophies that were earned in single-player offline games during the outage be intact when the service resumes?
A: These trophies are intact and will be re-synched when the network is once again operational.

Q: Will my PS+ cloud saves be retrievable?
A: Yes, once PSN is restored.

Q: What if we have a subscription to PS3 MMOs DC Universe Online or Free Realms? Will we get compensation for that?
A: From Sony Online Entertainment: "We apologize for any inconvenience players may have experienced as a result of the recent service interruption....

108w ago - Sony's Senior Director Patrick Seybold of Corporate Communications & Social Media has made available Q&A #1 for PlayStation Network and Qriocity Services today.

To quote: First off, we want to again thank you for your patience. We know that the PlayStation Network and Qriocity outage has been frustrating for you. We know you are upset, and so we are taking steps to make our services safer and more secure than ever before. We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern this outage has caused, and rest assured that we're going to get the services back online as quickly as we can.

We received a number of questions and comments yesterday and early today relating to the criminal intrusion into our network. We'd like to address some of the most common questions today.

We are also going to continue to post updates to this blog with any additional information and insight that we can over the next few days.

We are reading your comments. We are listening to your suggestions. Please keep them coming.

Thank you.

Q: Are you working with law enforcement on this matter?
A: Yes, we are currently working with law enforcement on this matter as well as a recognized technology security firm to conduct a complete investigation. This...