News: PSN returns in Japan and Certain Parts of Asia Tomorrow

Good news for PS3 gamers in Asia! According to the latest press release from Sony, the phased restoration of PSN for Japan and certain parts of Asia will begin tomorrow, May 28, 2011. Aside from that, an identity protection program has been announced for Japan as well. Details after the break.

Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment has recently announced that the phased restoration of PSN and Qriocity Services in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand will begin tomorrow. This phase of the restoration will include:

• Sign-in for PSN and Qriocity services, including the resetting of passwords
• Restoration of online game-play across PS3 and PSP.
• ‘Friends’ category on PS3, including Friends List, Chat Functionality, Trophy Comparison, etc
• PlayStation®Home
• Access to other network features on services such as torne™ (Japan only)

The relaunch of PSN services for Hong Kong and Korea however is still pending, and details regarding the schedule for the said countries are still yet to be announced.

Along with the announcement, Sony will be implementing a Identity Protection Procedures for their customers in Japan:

• A phone hotline to answer queries regarding the restoration of PSN and Qriocity services, as well offering guidance to protect customers against identity theft and fraud.
• With the support of credit card companies, Sony will shoulder the expenses of customers who request for credit card replacement in light of the PSN attack.

No Identity Protection Program has been announced for the rest of Asia as of the moment.

Sony has also detailed the Welcome Back Program for Asia. Check out my separate blog post. It'll be a happy gaming weekend for Japan and Asia. See you online!

Source: SCEA Press Release