PlayStation Network members may have seen a message from Sony Computer Entertainment America in their e-mail inboxes recently, a warning that their account and the funds in their PSN wallet are about to be taken over by SNEA (Sony Network Entertainment America). Panic? No!
It's not a scam, as some recipients of that message have worried. Nor is it an April's Fools gag, even though the switchover from SCEA to SNEA will happen on April 1, 2011. Yes, you'll have to agree to a new terms of service agreement with SNEA—if not, they'll close your account and refund you whatever's in your PSN wallet—a process that PlayStation 3 owners are likely familiar with.
Sony Network Entertainment, for the record, was outlined by PlayStation boss Kaz Hirai earlier this year. Its purpose is "to drive vision, strategy and service delivery for network services across the entire Sony Group, with a goal of offering consumers compelling, connected entertainment experiences across a variety of Sony devices."
You can review the terms of service right now at Qriocity.com, if you'd like. Hell, you can even read their privacy policy!
If you haven't received said e-mail from Sony Computer Entertainment, here it is.
An important message to you from the PlayStation(R)Network team at Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC.
On April 1, 2011, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC ("SCEA") will transfer its online services operations, including your wallet and the funds in it, to Sony Network Entertainment America Inc. ("SNEA"). The first time you sign in to your Sony Online Services account on or after April 1, you will be asked to enter into a new Terms of Service and User Agreement with SNEA. If you do not wish to enter into a contract with SNEA, you may decline the terms of service and we will close your account(s) and return your funds. You can preview the new Terms of Service and User Agreement with SNEA at: http://www.qriocity.com/psnlegal/us/pr…
PlayStation(R) Network will continue to provide you with the highest standard of interactive entertainment. Your access to the best games, movies, TV shows, music and friends will remain intact. Thank you very much for being part of the PlayStation(R)Network online community! We look forward to continuing to bring you the best in innovative online entertainment!
Your PlayStation(R)Network password and Sign-on ID (PSN ID) is required to sign in to your Sony Online Services account. Please go to http://us.playstation.com/support/answer… to ensure your account information is accurate and updated.
The PlayStation(R)Network Team