Sony's Welcome Back Program Is In Effect

After a series of updates regarding the month-long Sony hacking incident, Playstation Network, Playstation Store, and the rest of its online features are now back up and running. Recently, Sony announced that its Welcome Back program is now available for downloading. In case you’re still clueless as to what you’re going to get out of this, read this latest Playstation Blog update to keep you up to speed. In addition to what you already know, you'll also get a free 'Pixel Wonderland' dynamic theme. So get your free games and 30 days of Playstation Plus while they’re still hot!

 

Welcome back, indeed.

 

But wait, hold on a second there. Before you do that, I think it’s important to let you know that PSN still has its problems despite its restoration. Sony’s still working out the kinks on the network, so expect some network error messages as you try to log on into your account or when trying to get in the store.

 

The main problem though, is the Welcome Back program itself. I tried to download my first free game (inFamous), but when I agreed with the terms of the program, I kept experiencing error messages. When I finally forced my way through that, to my disbelief, the first download just disappeared. I checked my download management queue to see if the game is actually downloading, but it wasn’t there.

 

So…what now? I’ve asked around and checked back at the PS Blog, but there seems to be no update on these networking issues as of late. However, the Playstation EU Blog has come up with a solution to get past this problem for now:
 

1.     On your PlayStation 3 or PlayStation Portable navigate to the PlayStation Network icon on the XMB

2.     Log into your PlayStation Network account and choose Account Management > Transaction Management > Services List

3.     Choose “PlayStation Network Promotions” from the list of services displayed

4.     Select either “PS3 Free Games” or “PSP Free Games” and then choose “Select Content”

 

I’ve already tried this method and it worked. My free copy of inFamous is downloading as I write this, though I’ve decided to hold off on the rest of the free content until this matter is mostly (if not completely) resolved. But if you just want the free stuff immediately, feel free to use the above method. Also, both PS Blog links I provided have detailed FAQs regarding other questions you might have, so you’re covered.

 

Unfortunately for PSP owners, they will be treated to this error message when trying to log in from the handheld, so those who own one will have to wait it out. As always, I'll keep you posted when this issue has been resolved.

 

David Gabriel, NoobFeed.