The PlayStation Network security breach that occurred in 2011 may seem like it happened forever ago in gaming terms, but a class action lawsuit against Sony for the hack was concluded. The company settled that lawsuit recently, and is now offering a free PlayStation 3 game, PS Vita game, PSP game, PS Plus membership, or free themes as compensation to any of the more than 70 million accounts affected.
Those eligible to receive compensation for the security breach had a PlayStation Network, Qrocity, or Sony Online Entertainment account prior to May 15, 2011. Each account type is eligible for different forms of compensation, depending on whether on whether or not they participated in the “Welcome Back” program that Sony initially ran to compensate those affected by the breach.
For example, if you already accepted a free game from the “ Welcome Back ” program, then you can receive only one free game or theme as part of the settlement. If you did not receive anything from the “Welcome Back” program, then you are eligible for two. Additionally, the three-month PS Plus offer is only available to those who do not currently have a membership with the premium service.
This will require some work on your end though. There is paperwork that you can fill out either to file electronically or to send through snail mail. You will have to provide your personal information along with the list of PlayStation Network or other Sony accounts you had before May 15, 2011 when the service came under attack.
Here is the list of free PS3, PS Vita, PS Vita games, and themes that are being offered.
PS3
- Dead Nation
- inFamous
- LittleBigPlanet
- Super Stardust HD
- Rain
- Puppeteer
- Invizimals: Lost Kingdom
- God of War HD Collection
PSP
- LittleBigPlanet
- Modnation Racers
- Patapon 3
- Killzone Liberation
- Wipeout Pure
- Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
PS Vita
- LittleBigPlanet
- Patapon 3
- Killzone: Liberation
Themes
- WipeEout HD Dynamic Theme
- Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Dynamic Theme
- Tokyo Jungle Dynamic Theme
- The Last of Us Dynamic Theme
- Ratchet & Clank Dynamic Theme
- Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Dynamic Theme
This is a separate offer from the recently announced compensation to PlayStation Plus users for the PSN outage over the holidays. Those who had active subscriptions to the premium service during the outage had their membership extended by five days. Additionally, all PSN users will receive a 10 percent discount code that can be used to purchase games and other content on the PS Store. This promotion starts Friday, January 23, and runs through the weekend, per the PlayStation Blog .
Are you one of those affected by the 2011 PlayStation Network hack? Sound off in the comments below if you will be taking advantage of this compensation.
[Images via PlayStation , God of War ]
[H/T: Game Informer ]