New price announced overnight, in effect from 22/8/11

• 160 GB - $349.95
• 320 GB - $449.95

Last years Classification of Games survey revealed huge support for the introduction of an R18+ classification level.

On 25 May 2011, the Minister for Justice, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, issued a media release announcing draft Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games for the information of the public with a view to introducing an R18+ level.

There is now a survey open at the link below.

The survey itself is a simple 1 answer survey which you complete after scanning the Proposed Draft Guidelines available at the same link. It will take 1 minute to complete after reading for maybe 5 minutes.

Feedback will be collated to provide advice to Classification Ministers in considering the proposed draft Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games.

Survey Monkey shows a closing date of today 22nd June 2011 but due to significant public interest, the closing date for completion of the online survey has been extended to Friday 15 July 2011.

Click here to complete the survey

We don't have E3 coverage around here on Economical Gamer, but we do have a tradition of doing a round-up of the local times to watch the keynote speeches live from the event.

Honestly, I'm expecting one of the best E3s to date. There must be over 30 titles I'm extremely keen on and these rumours surrounding Project Cafe need to be laid to rest as soon as humanly possible.

The Playstation Network has launched the welcome back program including the ability to download the games put on offer. Community member ianinozzie has put together a forum thread for anybody having troubles downloading their freebies.

{jfusion_discuss 2431}

Amazon is now selling "online game code" versions of Sony Playstation Network Card for US accounts. So instead of paying inflated prices for US cards on ebay and trying to find a credit card that works on a US account we can now buy US PSN codes instantly at Amazon.

Note: Be aware that your 'shipping' address on Amazon will have to be a US address, hey why not live in Hollywood? :D

Click here to visit the website

Hopefully most Ecogamers are pretty savvy and follow the gaming blogs - but just in case you haven't heard:

You may have noticed that PSN has been down for over a week now. Sony has stated that they shut down PSN in response to an 'external intrusion'.

You can read the specific details and press released at the links below. Ultimately, what it means for you:

The following data on your PSN account may have been comprimised:

• Name
• Address
• Email
• DOB
• PSN username + password + security questions
• PSN profile data
• PSN purchase history
• PSN billing details

Credit card details don't appear to be comprimised, but Sony isn't guaranteeing anything. The details that PSN store are the credit card number and expiry date. They do not store the security code (number on the back).

What you should do:

• Change your passwords and security questions/answers. Especially if you've used your PSN password elsewhere. Don't forget the email address you use PSN with, and your Steam account. You won't be able to change your PSN details until Sony turns it back on.
• Keep an eye on your credit card statements. Notify your bank immediately if you see anything odd.
• Be especiallly vigilant about spam + phishing. Scams could arrive via email / telephone / post. Be wary of anyone asking for sensitive personal information. Take a look at what details have been comprimised and consider how a scammer would use those against you.

The best source of official info at the moment seems to be the PlayStation Blog, but everything below will keep you up to date.

PlayStation Blog Europe - http://blog.eu.playstation.com (AU falls under EU)
PlayStation EU Twitter - http://twitter.com/PlayStationEU

PlayStation Australia - http://www.playstation.com.au
PlayStation Australia Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAU

Good luck Ecogamers. Don't get scammed.

The Animus Project Update 1.0 DLC for Assassins Creed Brotherhood is now available for Xbox 360 and PS3. It includes a new map and game mode for multiplayer. The good news continues, with the announcement of more free DLC coming early next year.

For those of you with a bit of time to hunt around completing tasks set by Valve, you can get some pretty significant savings on games during the Steam Treasure Hunt.

Everyday there are new conditions and a new "treasure". Check the link for the latest details.

Click here to visit the website

Duritos are running a promotion, a part of which are two free Xbox Live Arcade games. The first is apparently only available on the US store while the second should be available in Australia:

• Harms Way
• Doritos Crash Course

Click here for more information

Monday Night Combat recently had the Spunky Cola DLC added, which includes some new maps and a game mode.

After their 'trial' last year Nintendo have decided to make demos a perminant fixture of the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo have always been a odd ball, especially given DS demos have been on the Wii for a while. Its nice to see them catch up, or at least try to. For some reason Nintendo have decided to make the demos available for a limited time only.

• ThruSpace
• Jett Rocket
• Furry Legends

A reminder to those who haven't voted yet for the Golden Joystick Awards. You can vote from a shortlist of games for game of the year, but also for who you think is the best retailer. Votes close December 3rd.

Click this link to vote now!