Sony Computer Entertainment is headquartered in Japan, and this month’s natural disasters have halted production at some facilities, potentially for months.
In addition to impacting Sony’s business (there are reports that it will lose over 100,000 PS3s), many of the company’s employees have been affected, so in a bid to appeal to the many Sony faithful, the company has introduced a way for philanthropic users to donate money to the relief efforts.
In a post on the Playstation Blog, Sony Computer Entertainment’s president and CEO Jack Tretton said, “Sony Computer Entertainment’s headquarters are located in Tokyo, and so we’ve heard firsthand of the disaster’s impact from our colleagues and friends. As we here in America watch the tragic events that continue to unfold, you might be left thinking, ‘Is there any way I can help?'”
So in addition to the numerous ways of electronically donating money, Sony has added an option for PS3 users to sign into the console’s virtual Playstation Store and pay either with a credit card or their virtual “wallet,” in amounts of $2, $5, $10, $25, and $50.
To acknowledge those who lend a hand, anyone who makes a donation through the PS3 will receive a special theme for their console (pictured).
“Many gamers in particular feel a special bond with Japan, even if they’ve never traveled there personally. Its ingenuity and innovation have shaped our industry, and its culture and style have brought a sense of community across the world. Please join us now in helping the Japanese people during this great time of need. Together we can have a significant impact on the relief process,” said Tretton.
