PSN is being replaced by the SEN as Sony looks to provide consumers with one single digital distribution platform
The end of an era will see the end of Sony’s PlayStation Network, the company’s online service by the rebranded Sony Entertainment Network, in a move that could have long lasting ratifications when it comes to future products.
The PlayStation Network, or PSN as it is more commonly referred to, was where PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable users could play against or with friends in online multiplayer game modes. Also the service comprised of the PlayStation Store, Sony’s digital distribution platform, where users could purchase and downloads games, Downloadable Content Packs, wallpapers and other add-ons.
However, those outside the world of gaming will know the PSN as they online service that was hacked, by an unknown group of hackers, which resulted in the service being taken offline by Sony. It later emerged that the hackers made off with a large number of passwords and user details, though there are still doubts as to whether any credit card information was stolen.
It later turned out that temporarily shutting down the PSN cost Sony a staggering $172-million, which has had far reaching effects on the company’s financial performance.
However, one way to put the issue to bed would be a rebranding of the service and one can be sure that this was one of the reasons the company is set to do away with the PlayStation Network and it introducing the Sony Entertainment Network.
A Statement released by Sony read: “On February 8, 2012, your “PlayStation Network account” will be renamed a “Sony Entertainment account” or a “SEN account” in conjunction with Sony Computer Entertainment’s PlayStation 3 system software and PlayStation Vita system software updates.”
The statement continued to put aside any worries the consumers may have as to what would happen to their PlayStation Network accounts, by elaborating on the subject.
“For general purposes, this account change is a change in name only. Your username or password will not change, nor are we asking you to change them.”
One can be sure of one thing that this means that Sony is heading in a new direction in the coming years.
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