Sony introduces PlayStation Rewards loyalty program

Sony PlayStation 3 gamers will now have the chance to use the new PlayStation Rewards loyalty program to unlock bonus content. The program is now being beta tested by a select few PlayStation Plus subscribers and Gamer Advisory Panel members, while Sony promises more people will be invited to beta test soon.

The Gamer Advisory Panel and PlayStation Plus subscribers were chosen in an effort to help resolve as many issues with the beta program as possible before the public launch of the service. The program is designed so Sony can "show appreciation" to its loyal fans, and will eventually be available for the PS3 and PlayStation Portable.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sony plans to release a public version of PlayStation Rewards sometimes in the Spring of 2011.

"We can't thank our fans enough for the feedback they have given us over the years and look forward to even more dialog to help us evolve PlayStation Rewards to make it the best possible loyalty program it can be," said Susan Panico, PlayStation Network director, during a recent interview.

ADVERTISEMENT

Three different PlayStation Reward membership tiers are built into the service -- ranging from Select, Pro, to Legendary -- with gamers able to progress through the ranks. Points are collected through game playing, PlayStation Store purchases, surveys and gamer feedback.

Custom avatars, giveaways and contests will be made available for PlayStation Rewards members only. Exclusive PlayStation Home content and other features will be offered to Rewards members. Once the program launches in the Spring, additional perks and benefits will likely be available to PS3 gamers.

I think offering gamers free content such as avatars, downloads, and other exclusive content is the right strategy for this program.  A rewards program would work for PS3 owners spending time gaming or making purchases, but Sony will also try to create new ways for gamers to stay involved.

ADVERTISEMENT

A points-based system allows gamers to earn rewards for their time invested in playing games, and this type of system will help Sony keep PS3 user interest at a high level.

What incentives would you like to see offered to PlayStation Rewards members?

No posts to display