Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces First Annual PlayStation®Network PLAY, Featuring the Hottest Action Game Lineup

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Aug. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today introduced PlayStation®Network PLAY, a new program showcasing four of the season's hottest action titles. Starting August 9, 2011 gamers can get more action when the PLAY lineup becomes available for pre-order on PlayStation Network in North America and Europe.  With each pre-order from the PLAY program made in the PlayStation®Store, gamers will receive a theme for their PlayStation®3 system.  PLAY also offers gamers a separate gift with purchase for each order made throughout the duration of the program. In addition, PlayStation®Plus subscribers will receive an automatic 20% off every PLAY program purchase.  

As a bonus gift, action fans ages 18 years and older that purchase all four PLAY titles in the PlayStation Store will receive a voucher code for Sony Online Entertainment's PAYDAY: The Heist™, at no additional cost.*  

The 2011 PlayStation Network PLAY lineup is:

August 23: Street Fighter III Third Strike Online Edition – This highly-anticipated action-fighting title from Capcom features 20 playable characters, HD graphics, more than 200 pieces of unlockable content, more than 100 trials and more than 100 challenges. When Street Fighter III Third Strike Online Edition is purchased through PLAY, purchasers will be able to unlock GILL, the self-proclaimed god, without having to beat the game with every character, as day-one DLC.  Street Fighter III Third Strike Online Edition will be $14.99 and will be available for pre-order through August 18. The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates Street Fighter III Third Strike Online Edition "T" for "TEEN."

August 30:  The Baconing – The latest action-RPG title from Hothead Games features the popular hero, DeathSpank, in an attempt to defeat the Anti-Spank and his army of Cyborques before they cast an evil shadow over Spanktopia. Discover exciting new worlds and battle hordes of enemies as you search to unlock the secret within the Fires of Bacon. When The Baconing is purchased through PLAY, purchasers will receive an additional co-op character, Roesha – One Bad Mutha. The Baconing will be $14.99 and will be available for pre-order through August 25.  The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates The Baconing "T" for "TEEN."

September 6:  BloodRayne: Betrayal™ – This 2D side-scrolling platformer from Majesco Entertainment features 15 bloodthirsty levels where Rayne attempts to infiltrate a treacherous castle, take out a fiendish horde and stop an evil vampire massacre. When BloodRayne: Betrayal is purchased through PLAY, purchasers will receive a BloodRayne: Betrayal virtual item for their PlayStation®Home avatar and an exclusive dynamic theme. BloodRayne: Betrayal will be $14.99 and will be available for pre-order through September 1.  The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates BloodRayne: Betrayal "T" for "TEEN."

September 13:  Renegade Ops – This top-down, driving shooter from SEGA features a huge variety of vehicles, guns and endless enemies. The game features Sandbox-style missions, so there are many different ways to play. When Renegade Ops is purchased through PLAY, purchasers will receive a Vehicle & Character Pack with two new vehicles and special weapons. Renegade Ops will be $14.99 and will be available for pre-order through September 8. The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates Renegade Ops "RP" for "Rating Pending."

Bonus Gift:  PAYDAY: The Heist – This gritty, first-person shooter from Sony Online Entertainment lets players take on the role of a hardened career criminal executing intense, dynamic heists in constant pursuit of the next "big score." A voucher code for PAYDAY: The Heist will be provided as a bonus gift to players, ages 18 and older, that purchased all four PLAY titles, for redemption when the game releases.  The game can also be pre-ordered separately starting September 20, 2011. PAYDAY: The Heist will be $19.99. The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates PAYDAY: The Heist "RP" for "Rating Pending."

For more information about PlayStation Network PLAY and the rest of the lineup of games available on PlayStation Network, please visit www.us.playstation.com/PSNplay.  

About Sony Computer Entertainment America

Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP and PS3 systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC serves as headquarters for all North American operations.

"PlayStation", "PSP" and "PS one" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.  All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. "PS3" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

* Purchases made through September 19, 2011 will be eligible for the PAYDAY: The Heist bonus gift.

SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment America