Sony makes it clear: hack your PS3, lose PSN access

Feb. 16, 2011 (5:15 pm) By: Matthew Humphries

Sony has today issued a very clear warning to anyone thinking about hacking their PS3 or playing pirated games on the console.
The following notice was issued via the PlayStation.Blog:

Unauthorized circumvention devices for the PlayStation 3 system have been recently released by hackers. These devices permit the use of unauthorized or pirated software. Use of such devices or software violates the terms of the “System Software License Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System” and the “Terms of Services and User Agreement” for the PlayStation Network/Qriocity and its Community Code of Conduct provisions. Violation of the System Software Licence Agreement for the PlayStation 3 System invalidates the consumer guarantee for that system. In addition, copying or playing pirated software is a violation of International Copyright Laws. Consumers using circumvention devices or running unauthorized or pirated software will have access to the PlayStation Network and access to Qriocity services through PlayStation 3 system terminated permanently.
To avoid this, consumers must immediately cease use and remove all circumvention devices and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PlayStation 3 systems.

The notice has been issued following the fight Sony has been having to stop the hacking GeoHot and others have done to open up the PlayStation 3 console. With lawsuits ongoing, Sony clearly wanted to make sure everyone knows what will happen if they get caught playing illegal games or circumventing the PS3’s firmware and protection mechanisms.
Anyone choosing to do this is also taking a risk. Having PSN access disabled will cut off access to digital downloads initially, but could have further implications in the future depending on what Sony decides to do. If serial keys are introduced for games then a PSN connection may be required and therefore anyone without access can’t play the latest titles. The only option would be to purchase a new PS3 and create a new PSN account we believe.
Although Sony is stating what most gamers probably already knew, it seems unusual they would continue to remind people that it is possible to hack the PS3 and play pirate games. Why not stay quiet on the matter and take action when it is identified on a case by case basis?