Updated: Sony's Welcome Back Program is Live

Update: The PlayStation Blog has posted an update concerning connection issues many gamers are having on the PlayStation Store. It states that "due to high traffic on PlayStation Store, you may encounter error messages or issues. We advise you to check back a little later and try again."

Additionally, the Blog clears up how to download the free games for those who are confused. "In order to download two games at no cost, you must redeem them from the "Welcome Back" category. The individual titles are still available for purchase outside of the "Welcome Back Program[.]" If at any point you can't find the 'Welcome Back Free Game 1 or 2' products, the list of available titles or a game you've selected, go to your XMB>PlayStation Network>Account Management>Transaction Management>Services List>SCEA Promotions to complete the process."

After a pretty rough month, Sony's PlayStation brand is back on the upswing. The PlayStation Network was out for over three weeks, and Sony promised to make it up to the PlayStation faithful. Now that PlayStation Network functionality has been fully restored as of June 1st, when the PlayStation Store finally returned, Sony has pushed forward its much-anticipated Welcome Back program. 

If you're new to the party, you can read the details of Sony's PlayStation Welcome Back program here. Essentially, gamers who had PSN accounts that were created before April 20, 2011 can claim a series of free games. Two PSN games can be chosen from a list of five, and an additional two PSP games can be chosen from a separate list of four. 

To access your freebies, simply head to the PlayStation Store. There, at the top of the list on the left side of the Store's front page, you'll see "Welcome Back" clear as day. Click on each of the four "Free Game" icons and claim whatever titles you choose. 

The PlayStation Blog has posted a series of clarifications that will answer many gamers' questions about the program. And there are some pretty important details there. For instance, gamers will be able to claim their Welcome Back content between now and July 3rd. Once you download the games, they are yours to keep forever. And remember -- if you didn't have PlayStation Plus, you'll have it now for 30 days. So get in on your PS-Plus-related goodies, but keep in mind that your free PS+ content will disappear after the 30 day trial if you don't renew.