PSN outage, two weeks and counting

After 16 days of the PlayStation Network downtime, we take a look back at the various time frames we've been given, and what the service restoration will mean for you.

16

When the PlayStation Network was pulled on April 20, no one could have predicted how long the outage would last, least of all Sony. Now it's been down for over two weeks -- 16 days so far -- and it's looking increasingly like we'll continue to be out over the weekend. Sony assured that the network entered the final stages of internal testing last night. But if the company is hesitant to flip the switch just before the weekend (which would be understandable given the security headaches so far), we'll be looking at almost three straight weeks of PlayStation Network downtime.

Even in those 16 days so far, we've seen a flurry of news breaking on an almost daily basis. It's ironic at this point, but Sony has actually offered multiple targets to get the network back online, many of them too ambitious. First it was "a day or two" on April 21, which was obviously off. We didn't know at the time, but Sony was in the midst of hiring consulting firms to investigate the breach.

By April 26, Sony claimed to be aiming to have some services back online within a week. Then, in an update on April 30, we heard that services were to be restored this week. It's too early to call that final target as missed yet.

When the service does return, you can expect the Welcome Back program to begin, including a free month of PlayStation Plus, and so-far-undisclosed free content. You'll also be required to change your password, using the PlayStation 3 that is associated with the account, for good measure. This morning, Sony also outlined identity theft insurance for all affected users.

Check out our in-depth timeline for more details on the PlayStation Network data breach. You can also hear Garnett and the crew discussing the ongoing PSN plight on this week's Weekend Confirmed.

Editor-In-Chief
From The Chatty
  • reply
    May 6, 2011 3:00 PM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, PSN outage, two weeks and counting.

    After 16 days of the PlayStation Network downtime, we take a look back at the various time frames we've been given, and what the service restoration will mean for you.

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      May 6, 2011 3:24 PM

      I told you guys HD-DVD was the way to go, but nooooo, you all had to go with blu-ray. Reap what you sow!

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      May 6, 2011 3:24 PM

      I'm bummed because I haven't been able to play Mortal Kombat online yet.

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        May 6, 2011 3:48 PM

        PC for life. If you take down the PC network, you are Chuck Norris.

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          May 6, 2011 4:10 PM

          Ok cool, but MK isn't for PC.

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            May 6, 2011 4:11 PM

            Also SoE was hacked also which hosts PC titles.

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              May 6, 2011 5:03 PM

              Doesn't preclude you from playing *any* of your games online though.

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          May 7, 2011 8:38 AM

          And to play the latest and greatest title you are pretty much required to upgrade something on the PC every year. I'm getting tired of getting new graphics cards and adding memory.

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        May 6, 2011 4:23 PM

        [deleted]

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        May 6, 2011 4:39 PM

        while I would understand to be somewhat bummed for a few days but for over two weeks? especially that you want to play online and you can't. sorry dude.

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        May 6, 2011 10:26 PM

        They lossed a Portal 2 sale because PSN was down. Decided to just get the PC version instead of waiting.

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      May 6, 2011 4:07 PM

      if u guys think about it, theyre kinda rippin us off. they say were gonna get a free month of PS+. but the PS Store wont be up until a month after the PSN is back. so therefore we wont be able to take full advantage of the supposed "free" PS+ offer.

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        May 6, 2011 4:13 PM

        that would be for people who already have it and are paying money for it. They basically won't get billed for a months worth.

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        May 6, 2011 4:13 PM

        where does it say the free month starts before the PSN store is back up? I seem to be missing that :P

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          May 6, 2011 4:14 PM

          oh and it's for everyone actually.

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        May 6, 2011 4:18 PM

        The free month starts after the PS store is back up and running, ive also heard we get a couple free games aswell, so no their not ripping us off

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          May 6, 2011 4:47 PM

          oo ok well i read that in another news source thats why i posted it here. but if its like that, then thats good...but as for the free games, i bet it will be the poorly rated ones lol

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      May 6, 2011 4:48 PM

      Is VALVE the ones designing their new security..sounds like valve time.. lol

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        May 6, 2011 4:56 PM

        If Valve is in charge of security they might as well just give our shit away.

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          May 6, 2011 5:39 PM

          Hello Steam User, due to a recent hack attempt we have reset all user passwords to gabe123. Please log in and change your password to something you prefer.

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      May 6, 2011 9:49 PM

      I just want to get into my SOE account so i can remove my credit card.

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        May 6, 2011 10:18 PM

        I'd be surprised if that info is still there at all.

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        May 7, 2011 8:41 AM

        Why remove it now, the hackers already have it in their grubby hands. I think it's time to just remove the Playstation from my house. PS3 listed on eBay.... Check.... Heading to BestBuy, Xbox here I come.

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          May 7, 2011 10:34 AM

          Well if Sony is telling the truth only 13k SOE customers lost their Credit Card info, and those where all non-U.S. type cards. Now that Sony has the big Hack Me Target on their back, i can't trust them to keep my cc info safe. I don't care that they got the other info, you can Google and get that stuff.

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