Sony’s settlement for the 2011 PSN breach case approved by the United States District Court

Sony’s settlement offer for the class action lawsuit against them as a result of the 2011 PlayStation Network hack and breach has been approved by the US District Court. The settlement could see Sony paying out up to $17.5 million USD by way of free game for PS3 and PSP, PS3 themes or three months worth of PlayStation Plus for new subscribers.

Following the breach in 2011, Sony offered a ‘Welcome Back’ program in which users were able to download free games and themes. Those who did accept the offer and download the title are still eligible for the free game offered by the settlement, but those who did not accept the ‘Welcome Back’ offer are able to claim twice as part of the settlement. Essentially those who did accept the offer in 2011 are eligible for one free game while those who did not are eligible for two.

The total pool for the free games, themes and PS Plus subscription for those who did not accept the original offer is $6 million USD and is on a first come first serve basis. For those who did accept the offer the total pool is $4 million USD. Once the pool has been exhausted further claimants will receive one month of PlayStation Plus credit. Each household is able to make up to three claims and additional claims — beyond three — for one household will receive one month of PlayStation Plus credit.

There will be eight PS3 and six PSP games on offer which will include Dead Nation, inFAMOUS, LittleBigPlanet, Super Stardust HD, Rain, Patapon 3, Modnation Racers and Killzone: Liberation. The other games on offer have yet to be finalised, but will become available after six months of the claims forms being posted online.

Sony Entertainment Online users will also benefit from the settlement, receiving $4.50 in Station Cash from a pool of $4 million USD. Any person who has suffered identity theft as a result of the breach will be entitled to a $2,500 USD cash payout. Affected Qriocity users with a PSN account will receive a one month subscription to Music Unlimited while those who have funds in their PSN wallet unused since the breach can request a credit for the balance which will result in a closure of their account.

Finally, Sony will pay $2.75 million is legal fees as part of the settlement agreement. The settlement is only applicable to users in the United States and it’s unclear if anything similar will be offered in other parts of the world.