Sony offers Playstation Network apology package

Sony has offered incentives to return to the network after it was hit by a
major hack attack, exposing details of 77 million users.

It includes two free PS3 games from a choice of five, and a month's free
membership to premium services.

However, many gamers complained the games were too old, and that the package
was "disappointing".

Senior PR manager for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) Jonathan
Fargher told the BBC it represents a good offer.

"Clearly there's going to be a minority of people out there who have some of
those games.

"We certainly believe the welcome back program and the choice of games that
we're offering, for free, is good value."

He added that it is the first step in regaining the trust of Playstation
users, future plans include an identity theft protection scheme which will
be outlined to users soon.

'Welcome back'
In a blog post, SCEE head of communications Nick Caplin told PS3 gamers that
they could pick two games from a list of Little Big Planet, Infamous,
Wipeout HD/Fury, Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty and Dead Nation.

Playstation Portable users, who were also affected by the downtime, could
choose from Little Big Planet PSP, ModNation PSP, Pursuit Force and Killzone
Liberation.

"I would like to thank all of the developers and publishers involved in this
programme for their support in making this happen. We certainly couldn't
have done it without you," Mr Caplin wrote.

"You will be able to access this content once PlayStation Store comes back
online and we are doing everything we can to make that happen as soon as
possible."

In addition to the free games, users were also offered 30 days free
Playstation Plus membership which offers premium content not available to
free users.

Existing Playstation Plus subscribers will receive 60 days free.

Users on the Sony Online Entertainment network - another affected by the
hack - will receive their own package of 45 days of game time as well as
in-game currency.

Old games
The gaming community's reaction to the PSN package has been mixed.

"I own all of the five games I can choose from and have finished most of
them," commented user Arkeologen in response to the announcement.

"Isn't there any way you can offer alternatives instead of these old games?"

However, on the US Playstation blog, commenter WhizKid105 said: "Jeeze Sony,
I know you're sorry, but you don't have to welcome us back that hard.

"Not that I'm complaining or anything."

Oli Walsh, from Eurogamer.net, believes the compensation package is "fairly
generous" given that the Playstation Network is a largely free service.

"They are old games, but they're all good games. The risk is that if you're
a real passionate fan you've probably played them already," he said.

"I think it was a very difficult one for them to get right. I'm not sure
there is something that would satisfy most people."