Back on its feet
After a run of bad news for its PlayStation Network over the last month - from the initial announcement of the breach, through the £100m predicted cost, to its promising affected users free identity protection cover, and free games in recompense - Sony is finally recovering, and expects that the PSN will be restored to full service by the end of the week - later than the 31 May Sony had previously targeted.
Parts of the PSN have already been restored, with online gameplay, friends list access, chat, and account management restored in the US and Europe restored on the 15th and those same services going online in Japan a little later. By the end of the next week, Sony will also be bringing back the following in the US, Europe and parts of Asia:
- Full functionality on PlayStation Store
- In-game commerce
- Ability to redeem vouchers and codes
- Full functionality on Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3, PSP, VAIO and other PCs
- Full functionality on Media Go
However, although the West is getting a full restoration of service, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong will be left waiting with more details to be given "as they become available."
Sony is assuring PlayStation Network subscribes that its security has been fortified against additional attacks. "We have been conducting additional testing and further security verification of our commerce functions in order to bring the PlayStation Network completely back online so that our fans can again enjoy the first class entertainment experience they have come to love," said Sony Executive Deputy President' Kazuo Hirai.
One the PSN is back up and running fully, Sony will be offering a "Welcome Home" package consisting of a selection of free games, and a month of PSN Plus access to all subscribers - small recompense for the lost faith of many users.
