Sony Offers Subscription Extension, Discount Following PSN DDoS Attack

Sony just hasn’t been able to catch a break for the past few months. The company was first the subject of a hack attack by Guardians of Peace (with perhaps an assist by Lizard Squad) and more recently fell victim to Lizard Squad’s Christmas Day attack on the PlayStation Network (and Microsoft’s competing Xbox Live).

While it took Microsoft roughly a day to get its Xbox Live services restored, the PlayStation Network didn’t become fully operational again until late Saturday, December 27.

“PlayStation Network is back online. As you probably know, PlayStation Network and some other gaming services were attacked over the holidays with artificially high levels of traffic designed to disrupt connectivity and online gameplay,” said Sony Entertainment VP Catherine Jensen over the weekend. “This may have prevented your access to the network and its services over the last few days.”

The Lizard Squad’s attack on the PlayStation Network on Christmas Day was a ploy — so they claim — to prod large tech companies to beef up their security measures and to “anger and reach the largest amount of people -- more people, angry calls for a greater response from the companies."

Well, plenty of gamers were upset over their ability to play games on Christmas and the over the long weekend, so Sony is doing its best to make amends for the inconvenience. The company is attempting to appease gamers with two offers, 1) a 5-day extension of your existing PlayStation Plus subscription or free trial if it was active on December 25 and 2) a 10 percent discount code that will be good for a one-time discount on one “total cart purchase” from the PlayStation Store.

“This discount can be used toward content available on PS Store including blockbuster new releases, award winning indie games, game add-ons and season passes, and an enormous selection of TV and Movies,” said Sony Entertainment VP Eric Lempel.

Sony gamers were for the most part grateful for Sony’s gesture, as the company could have just said restored the service and left it at that. However, some saw Sony’s act of generosity as not being enough. “Disgraceful but it’s funny how the masses will praise this useless gesture, one can receive a bigger discount by searching the internet for coupon codes 10% you are a joke Sony,” wrote cRniiLabud. “You deserve what you got.”

Others were appreciative, but urged Sony to take steps to prevent further service disruptions. “Thank you Lord Sony,” wrote BenSanborn. “Now please, take what you learned from this DDOS and make sure it never happens again.”

For me personally, I wouldn’t be complaining about a 5-day extension and a 10 percent discount.