Golwar wrote on May 9, 2011, 05:42:

mag wrote on May 8, 2011, 21:41:
It would be different because Europe has stronger consumer protection laws. There is a larger incentive for Sony to try to make right in Europe than in the US, simply because disgruntled customers have greater recourse there.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if the free games are tied to PSN+.

In all honesty, to announce free games and then tie them to a subscription, would be so stupid, that I have to question you for how you consider that a realistic option.

Good will actions never prevented that someone sues, so this is also a rather pointless assumption.

Besides, the USA are really better known for ridiculous claims for damages. In Europe Sony would rather fear institutions than their private customers. So once again, it would be really really pointless to offer better gifts to European customers.

It's the exact kind of thing large corporations try to do when they make 'amends', though. Fined a kajillion dollars for anti-trust violations? Why, you just pay off your fine in copies of your software to schools to get more people hooked early.

Found guilty of giving people defective/harmful merchandise? Pay restitution in other merchandise that requires them to pay you money to get the full use of it.

Have your gaming network collapse, and lots of gamers? Give away crappy games as a show of good faith, and a temporary subscription to the for-pay service that no one was willing to sign up for. Get 'em hooked. Better yet, tie the free games to the pay service, to give an incentive to keep them there.

I'd give even odds that you have to give Sony your CC# to use your free month of PSN, and that you'll have to manually cancel the subscription when the free period is over.

Boston wrote on May 9, 2011, 09:55:

Golwar wrote on May 8, 2011, 20:12:
And SCEA always has better offers than SCEE, why should it be different this time?

Maybe I'm misremembering, but didn't Europe get 10 free games with PSP Go vs North America's 3?

I wasn't stupid enough to buy me a PSP Go, so no idea.
But just compare the common weekly PSN Store Updates from America and Europe and you'll understand what I mean.

Or compare what each PSN+ subscription offers.
I think just ONCE Europe had the better deal with Sam & Max for free. The Americans complained and got it too afterwards. The Europeans require pretty much every month to get the US content too, with no success.

Boston wrote on May 9, 2011, 09:55:

Golwar wrote on May 8, 2011, 20:12:
And SCEA always has better offers than SCEE, why should it be different this time?

Maybe I'm misremembering, but didn't Europe get 10 free games with PSP Go vs North America's 3?

I received no free games with my PSPgo, and I think EU got the 3.

Golwar wrote on May 8, 2011, 20:12:
And SCEA always has better offers than SCEE, why should it be different this time?

Maybe I'm misremembering, but didn't Europe get 10 free games with PSP Go vs North America's 3?

It would be so stupid Sony would probably try to do it.

mag wrote on May 8, 2011, 21:41:
It would be different because Europe has stronger consumer protection laws. There is a larger incentive for Sony to try to make right in Europe than in the US, simply because disgruntled customers have greater recourse there.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if the free games are tied to PSN+.

In all honesty, to announce free games and then tie them to a subscription, would be so stupid, that I have to question you for how you consider that a realistic option.

Good will actions never prevented that someone sues, so this is also a rather pointless assumption.

Besides, the USA are really better known for ridiculous claims for damages. In Europe Sony would rather fear institutions than their private customers. So once again, it would be really really pointless to offer better gifts to European customers.

Aybara wrote on May 8, 2011, 18:41:
Two free games to European PSN users. I figure US PSN users will get only the free games offered during your free month of PSN. Which, of course, stop working as soon as you stop subscribing.

I doubt they'd do that. Odds are the same offer will be given to US PSN users too.

It would be different because Europe has stronger consumer protection laws. There is a larger incentive for Sony to try to make right in Europe than in the US, simply because disgruntled customers have greater recourse there.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if the free games are tied to PSN+.

Aybara wrote on May 8, 2011, 18:41:
Two free games to European PSN users. I figure US PSN users will get only the free games offered during your free month of PSN. Which, of course, stop working as soon as you stop subscribing.

That is simply wrong.

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.

So anyone gets PSN+, seperated content for free and to keep and more will follow during the next weeks.
Source: http://bit.ly/lYkhiZ

And SCEA always has better offers than SCEE, why should it be different this time?

Aybara wrote on May 8, 2011, 18:41:
Two free games to European PSN users. I figure US PSN users will get only the free games offered during your free month of PSN. Which, of course, stop working as soon as you stop subscribing.

Probably crappy games.

Two free games to European PSN users. I figure US PSN users will get only the free games offered during your free month of PSN. Which, of course, stop working as soon as you stop subscribing.