Sony Announce Some PSN Services Will Return This Week, Announce "Appreciaition Program"

Sony have announced that from this week, they will begin restoring the PSN. this rollout will be phased, but Sony has detailed what services they'll try to get back online this week:

• Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems
• -This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games
• Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers
• 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

Sony have also announced they are offering compensation for PSN users in a "Welcome Back" appreciation program. Everyone will get:

• Each territory will be offering selected PlayStation entertainment content for free download. Specific details of this content will be announced in each region soon.
• All existing PlayStation Network customers will be provided with 30 days free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service. Current members of PlayStation Plus will receive 30 days free service.
• Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity subscribers (in countries where the service is available) will receive 30 days free service.

Additional offerings will be rolled out over the coming weeks as more of the PSN services return.

The full press release details some of the behind the scenes moves Sony is doing to enhance security and can be read by clicking on Press Release.

Press Release

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 PlayStation®Network and Qriocity™ services, beginning with gaming, music and video services to be turned on. The company also announced both a series of immediate steps to enhance security across the network and a new customer appreciation program to thank its customers for their patience and loyalty.

Following a criminal cyber-attack on the company’s data-center located in San Diego, California, U.S.A., SNEI quickly turned off the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, engaged multiple expert information security firms over the course of several days and conducted an extensive audit of the system. Since then, the company has implemented a variety of new security measures to provide greater protection of personal information. SNEI and its third-party experts have conducted extensive tests to verify the security strength of the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. With these measures in place, SCE and SNEI plan to start a phased rollout by region of the services shortly. The initial phase of the rollout will include, but is not limited to, the following:

Restoration of Online game-play across the PlayStation®3 (PS3) and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) systems
-This includes titles requiring online verification and downloaded games
Access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3/PSP for existing subscribers
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

Working closely with several outside security firms, the company has implemented significant security measures to further detect unauthorized activity and provide consumers with greater protection of their personal information. The company is also creating the position of Chief Information Security Officer, directly reporting to Shinji Hasejima, Chief Information Officer of Sony Corporation, to add a new position of expertise in and accountability for customer data protection and supplement existing information security personnel. The new security measures implemented include, but are not limited to, the following:

Added automated software monitoring and configuration management to help defend against new attacks
Enhanced levels of data protection and encryption
Enhanced ability to detect software intrusions within the network, unauthorized access and unusual activity patterns
Implementation of additional firewalls

The company also expedited an already planned move of the system to a new data center in a different location that has been under construction and development for several months. In addition, PS3 will have a forced system software update that will require all registered PlayStation Network users to change their account passwords before being able to sign into the service. As an added layer of security, that password can only be changed on the same PS3 in which that account was activated, or through validated email confirmation, a critical step to help further protect customer data.

The company is conducting a thorough and on-going investigation and working with law enforcement to track down and prosecute those responsible for the illegal intrusion.
“This criminal act against our network had a significant impact not only on our consumers, but our entire industry. 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,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. “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.”

Complimentary Offering and “Welcome Back” Appreciation Program
While there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, the company is committed to helping its customers protect their personal data and will provide a complimentary offering to assist users in enrolling in identity theft protection services and/or similar programs. The implementation will be at a local level and further details will be made available shortly in each region.
The company will also rollout the PlayStation Network and Qriocity “Welcome Back” program, to be offered worldwide, which will be tailored to specific markets to provide our consumers with a selection of service options and premium content as an expression of the company’s appreciation for their patience, support and continued loyalty.

Central components of the “Welcome Back” program will include:
Each territory will be offering selected PlayStation entertainment content for free download. Specific details of this content will be announced in each region soon.
All existing PlayStation Network customers will be provided with 30 days free membership in the PlayStation Plus premium service. Current members of PlayStation Plus will receive 30 days free service.
Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity subscribers (in countries where the service is available) will receive 30 days free service.

Additional “Welcome Back” entertainment and service offerings will be rolled out over the coming weeks as the company returns the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services to the quality standard users have grown to enjoy and strive to exceed those exceptions.

SNEI will continue to reinforce and verify security for transactions before resuming the PlayStation®Store and other Qriocity operations, scheduled for this month.
For more information about the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services intrusion and restoration, please visit http://blog.us.playstation.com. or http://blog.eu.playstation.com/

About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $78 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

QTE Tweets Of The Week

This is the top 9 most clicked news stories from the QTE Gamers Twitter Stream. Its not surprising what made it into the top 9 this week. Any news regarding the PSN and Sony was big and as there wasn't much official news, its mostly rumours. Issues with the 360 also snuck into the top 9 as did a mockup of the upcoming iPhone 5.

9 360: There are reports of previously banned Xbox 360 consoles reconnecting to Xbox Live, not clear how unbanned they are http://ht.ly/4I8kv

8 Sony admit they still don't know if credit card information for PSN users were stolen during the attack http://ht.ly/4GB8t

7 PS3: Sony announce there'll be a Software update for the PS3 when the PSN is restarted, users required to change password http://ht.ly/4J4NR

6 iPhone: respectable source releases Mockup of iPhone 5, 3.7Inch screen, 960x640, thin, bigger Home button + more http://ht.ly/4GjZV

5 PS3: Sony are reportedly evaluating ways to show appreciation for PSN users patience during this down period http://ht.ly/4JBqT

4 Sony confirm the PSN did suffer a Hacking attack. Sony took down PSN to fix it, strengthen it, secure it. PSN Still down http://ht.ly/4Gk94

3 Chat logs February leaked, rumoured to be a conservation between PSN hackers, say credit details not encrypted http://ht.ly/4I9BJ

2 Anonymous have released a video insisting they had nothing to do with the PSN attack, before Sony took it down http://ht.ly/4GmCP

1 PS3: its rumoured when the PSN returns, a PS3 update will also come bringing Cross game chat, in game video chat + more http://ht.ly/4Ieva

What Have You Played This Week?

Its been a couple of weeks since I last did one of these. It was mostly due to a mix of bank holidays, public holidays, internet destroying itself. Still, here we are again and yes there's the usual suspects on this list but it should become clear that I now have a new toy...yep my beloved HTC Hero has been replaced with my phone upgrade the iPhone 4. I did play more games, but the ones I mention here are my particular highlights.

Football Manager 2010 – PC – what i've not mentioned in news on this game is that i've been the national coach of Vanuatu. Some may think its a strange choice and its not easy at all, but I have a special affinity for the country and tend to look to help them out in these sort of games. Havant is doing great in the Championship and pushing for promotion. Its meant to be harder, but i'm finding this season in the championship easier than the last season in League 1.

Pokèmon White – DS – simply, I have all 8 gym badges now. I'm at the stage where i'm levelling up my team to lvl 50+. my current team is, and its the team I used at the last gym, Boldore, Leavanny, Zebstrika, Lampent, Sigilyph, and Samurott. I've also been making use of the Pokèmon Global link now its online. The games are pretty simple, but they are a ok way to waste 10 minutes and get a new Pokèmon for free. The link between the game and site is pretty slow and feels like a workaround limitations...but it gets the job done. So far i've got 5 Pokèmon this way and several items. It'll be interesting to see if the Global Link is only for this game or if it's the start of something much bigger...i personally think it's the latter.

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes – PS3 – I didn't play too much. This isn't because the PSN is down, that actually hasn't affected me beyond I haven't had the BBC iPlayer or LoveFilm. I'm kinda having to grind with the necromancer character and i'm finding it a bit tough. Initially it was because I wasn't using the weapons effectively and slowly i'm getting better at using this character.

Game Dev Story – iPhone 4 – This game is very addictive. I love the simple graphics, it harkens back to Theme Park and Theme Hospital. The idea is simple and its very easy to play the game for long periods of time. My first play through was very exploratory and I didn't do that well as a company. The second play through was much better, multi million sellers and I was making money hand of fist. The next play through I aim to play with the staff more and use more of the options the game gives you, like the boosts the salesmen sells. This probably isn't for everyone, but it isn't too in depth and the tutorial is very good and if your curious it's worth playing.

Tiny Wings – iPhone 4 – This game, like the one above, has been talked about for a long time by several people and I was interested to give it a go. Its simple, looks great, and is very fun. I'm glad I picked it up. I was pretty terrible on my first couple of goes, but i'm understanding it more and enjoying the simple challenge it offers. This is more casual than Game Dev Story and I would recommend this for most people.

Super Soviet Missile Master – iPhone 4 – This is made by Behemoth and I had picked this up a while ago on iTunes just in case I did get an iPhone. This is a very basic game, your a missile and you have to avoid things that stop you bombing a country. Its a good way to waste 5 minutes and it very retro in style...maybe 8bit or earlier.

Super Mega Worm – iPhone 4 – This is another game that was popular a while back and when it was free I downloaded it just in case I got an iPhone. The idea here is your a worm and you have to kill everything. The clue in the title is that your more than just a worm...your a Tremors sized worm. Its a fun little game but a little repetitive. The different ways to kill things is fun and the animations are good.

Unpleasant Horse – iPhone 4 – I only recently picked this up and i've not played it much. Graphically it looks fine and it plays fine. Its one of those games that pretends to be easy when actually it requires a bit of skill and luck to truly master it.

Swords & Sworcery – iPhone 4 – People have been talking about this game for a while now and admittedly I was too curious not to get it. I've only played through the first story, the first play through of the game, but I really enjoy the artstyle. Its very stylised but its still clear what everything is. There is also room for your imagination to fill in the blanks, to add more to the art which is an amazing achievement and it comes in handy when it comes to the end of the first part. I enjoyed the music, I find it fits well with the game but I can understand if some people are not too keen on it. Its kinda hard to describe as there really is nothing like it. It is a “point and click” adventure game, but its also an interactive novel (in that your pushing the story along). The use of twitter is good but perhaps a touch gimmicky. Many people say its the first game made for the iPhone that's not some simple mini-game, and although my experience with games on the iPhone is still limited I tend to agree. If you consider yourself a hardcore gamer, than you should have this.

Hit X Podcast: All The News From QTE Gamers From Friday 29th April

This is all the news From Friday 29th April

You can subscribe to the Hit X Podcast on iTunes by clicking on the link below, and if you do or are already a subscriber it would be very helpful for me if you can rate and review the podcast.

The Hit X Podcast is available on iTunes from:
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And All The Recent Podcasts can be found on qtegamers.blogspot.com:
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The Re-Cap: News From QTE Gamers From Friday 29th April

• QTE Blog: The Re-Cap: News From QTE Gamers From Thursday 28th April http://ht.ly/1coY4o
• QTE Blog: Hit X Podcast: All The News From QTE Gamers From Thursday 28th April http://ht.ly/1cp1Cc
• iPhone: There are reports the White iPhone 4 is slightly thicker than the black version, some cases may not fit http://ht.ly/4JBk8
• QTE Blog: Beeline Interactive Announce Mediatonic's Who's That Flying Is Out Now On iPad, iPhone, And iPod Touch http://ht.ly/1cp4hW
• iPhone: Unpleasant Horse is out now for free, was originally rejected by Apple. http://ht.ly/4JBlm
• 360: Fruit Ninja Kinect has been rated in Korea, no official announcement that the games coming to 360 as yet http://ht.ly/4JBmV
• QTE Blog: Nintendo Have Released New Screenshots For Mystery Case Files: The Malgrave Incident http://ht.ly/1cp7sJ
• PS3: its reported around 2.2M PSN Credit Card details are trying to be sold by hackers. not known how true this is http://ht.ly/4JBoE
• PS3: Sony say Download History, Friends Lists, Settings, Trophies, and PS+ Cloud Saves are all fine despite the hack http://ht.ly/4JBqc
• PS3: Sony are reportedly evaluating ways to show appreciation for PSN users patience during this down period http://ht.ly/4JBqT
• QTE Blog: EA Announce Peyton Hillis Is The Winning Cover Athlete For Madden NFL 12 http://ht.ly/1cpb01
• Posting comments on the Playstation Blog affected by PSN being out, only worked up to now due to browser cookies http://ht.ly/4JBtn
• Rumoured screenshots from Smurfs Dance Party have leaked, rumoured to come out 26th July, Land Ho! are devs http://ht.ly/4JBvP
• QTE Blog: Gaijin Games Announce BIT.TRIP SAGA For The Nintendo 3DS http://ht.ly/1cpeDt
• Wii2: Satoru Iwata indicates the new console controller with have buttons and a D-Pad http://ht.ly/4JBy9
• Just Add Water have delayed the PS3 PSN release of Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD to the Summer, should've come this week http://ht.ly/4JBAy
• QTE Blog: Sega Have Released New Screenshots And A Trailer For Binary Domain http://ht.ly/1cphth
• 360: Bethesda is asking users to decline the update for Fallout New Vegas as its causing issues with game saves http://ht.ly/4JXEo
• Homeland Security and the FBI are both interested and looking into the PSN Breach http://ht.ly/4JYgk
• QTE Blog: EA Announce Need For Speed The Run Comes Out On 15th November http://ht.ly/1cplrV
• Ubisoft may have leaked the next Assassin's Creed game is called Revelations, points to Altair return http://ht.ly/4JZok

EA Announce Need For Speed The Run Comes Out On 15th November

EA have announced a new Need For Speed Game. Need For Speed The Run is set to come out on the Xbox 360, PS3. PC, Wii, And Nintendo 3DS on 15th November. Need For Speed The Run is set in the world of illicit racing. players will join the underground racers and race across state borders, up mountains, and through canyons. Need For Speed The Run will also feature The Autolog.


Watch Need For Speed: The Run - Debut Trailer in Tech & Gaming  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Press Release

Guildoford, UK. – April 29, 2011 – Get ready to rip up the road! Adrenaline junkies and speed fiends will find themselves on the wrong side of the law this November when they race for their lives in Need for Speed™ The Run from Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS). The hottest blockbuster this holiday is a game that takes players on a heart-pounding cross-country race from San Francisco to New York. Launching on November 15, Need for Speed The Run lures players into an underground world of illicit, high-stakes racing. The heat is on – and it isn’t just the fuzz who are after you. Entering the race is just the beginning as you blow across borders, weave through dense urban traffic, rocket down icy mountain passes and navigate narrow canyons at breakneck speeds. Powered by DICE’s state-of-the-art Frostbite ™ 2 engine, Need for Speed The Run takes the action racing genre to new heights with stunning visuals and car physics that hug the road even at top speeds all built around a gripping storyline. The cars are hot, the racing is intense and the story will have you at the edge of your seat… all the way from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Empire State building.

“This is the year that Need for Speed goes to the next level,” said Jason DeLong, Executive Producer at EA. “We think that Need for Speed The Run is going to surprise people with its intense, thrilling story and big action feel. But the game would be nothing without hot cars and crazy-fast chases. So that is what we’re delivering -- explosive racing that will have players flirting with disaster at 200-miles an hour.”

Using the groundbreaking Frostbite 2 engine, Need for Speed The Run will set the bar with unparalleled visual quality and enhanced physics. Need for Speed The Run will also take immersive storytelling to a new level with cutting edge performances that will draw the player into a world with no speed limits, rules or allies. Autolog, the Need for Speed franchise’s revolutionary social competition functionality, is back and better in Need for Speed The Run as it will continue to reinvent how people play games, track career progression and compare game stats.

Developed by Black Box , a studio of Electronic Arts , Need for Speed The Run will be available November 18, 2011 in the UK for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PC, Wii™ and Nintendo 3DS™. For more information on Need for Speed, visit http://www.needforspeed.com or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/needforspeed and follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/needforspeed.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EATM, EA SPORTSTM, EA Mobile™ and POGOTM. In fiscal 2010, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.7 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million units. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.co.uk. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at www.eagames.co.uk/press.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile, POGO, Need for Speed and Need for Speed The Run are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. The names, designs, and logos of all products are the property of their respective owners and used by permission. Microsoft and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. "PlayStation" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Sega Have Released New Screenshots And A Trailer For Binary Domain

Sega have released new screenshots and a trailer for Binary Domain. the trailer, titled The Machine Age Has Begun, introduces the backstory of the game and the evolution of machines to where they are now in the game. the trailer is made using in-game assets, which appear to be mostly from in-engine cutscenes.


Watch Binary Domain - Machine Age Has Begun in Tech & Gaming  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Screenshots


Press Release

LONDON AND SAN FRANCISCO (28 April, 2011) – SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today released the first gameplay trailer for Binary Domain™, the immersive and atmospheric squad-based shooter due for release in early 2012.

By introducing the story of Binary DomainTM the trailer shows how the evolution of machines has left humanity redundant in its wake. In the heat of battle, players must motivate and build trust with their team, adapt under pressure and make real time decisions knowing there will always be consequences that affect the squad and future missions. Humans must regain control of 2080 Tokyo and give the machines an unexpected ending.

Binary Domain is being developed for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. For more information on SEGA games please visit www.sega.com.