PSN accounts getting a name change

Later this week, PlayStation Network accounts will become Sony Online Entertainment accounts, the Japanese technology giant announced today.

The change will happen on February 7 when players sign on to the service and accept the new terms of service, user agreement, and privacy policies. At that time, all PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita (but not PSP) accounts will be rebranded as SEN.

According to Sony, the change is in name only, and users will not be asked to change their passwords or usernames.

"This helps us get closer to our goal of establishing a global comprehensive network platform of services across games, movies, music, and more," reads a line from Sony's statement.

The Sony Entertainment Network was first announced in August as a service that included Sony's three major online businesses: PSN, Video Unlimited, and Music Unlimited.

The new terms of service and policy agreements include a number of changes, among them a specific clause that preorders placed through PSN cannot be canceled.

"You may not cancel a preorder at any time, and refunds are not available for preorders, subject to applicable laws," reads the line from the document.

In September, the PSN's terms of service agreement was updated to prohibit class-action lawsuits against Sony. Months later, Sony was sued over the issue, with a northern California man claiming unfair business practices on the part of the technology giant.

[CORRECTION]: This article originally stated the change was set to take effect February 8. We regret the error.