The PSN is out – let�s all kick off together!
OK, so the PSN is down, and Sony is all but admitting it�s a full on DDoS hit in the wake of the GeoHotz situation. While we have a bit of online downtime, have a trawl of the forums and see the reaction. Go on. I�ll wait.
….See?
Everyone has gone properly mental, and are demanding compensation, threatening to sell their PS3s and buy Xboxes, and even worse. It�s all very silly, and very reactionary to a very credible problem that is out of Sony�s hands. Seeing as PSN contains a mountain of very sensitive information, Sony really do need to be very careful in fixing the problem properly. Sony aren�t actually denying anyone anything for no good reason, and have guys trying to get it back online as soon as possible. Knowing Sony and their need to protect their rep, I expect this is also taking longer to make sure all security loops are properly sewn up before reinitialising the service.
So, why is everyone going mental? Well, admittedly, my review copy of SOCOM is pretty boring at the moment, and I expect my mild annoyance at not getting to play Portal 2 online with my mates is greatly magnified for some who live online. But guess what I did? I popped to the shop, bought some beers and got my mates round to play instead. It was a great afternoon too (we had a barbecue afterwards and swam in the river).
My point is this: Sony offered a free online service, and they are dealing with a major security issue. I know it�s irritating, but rather than rage at Sony and demand compo for a FREE service (seriously? people think they have an argument for this?), why not vent your anger at the irresponsible idiots who did this in the first place? They might have a grievance with Sony, but right now, they are taking it out on each and every one of us who want to play online.
Most coders and hackers I know are good guys, so I choose my next words very carefully: there are a few vindictive, small minded people out there who think they can commit cyber terrorist acts (and that is what is going on here – threatening a lot of people�s systems as a form of protest IS terrorism) and everyone will get on their side. They need to be shown this isn�t true: gamers should support Sony right now and turn their anger on the real guilty parties, regardless of which console you own. It�s nice the Xboxers feel smug at the moment, but they are missing the point: this could just as easily happen to your paid up service, and then there would be a real problem. Wait til Microsoft annoy someone, as Live would be a real prize to the activists…
So, please, don�t moan. It is really bloody annoying, but rest assured Sony want you back online as much as you do. They just aren�t prepared to do do it at the expense of your security, and perhaps you should respect them for at least that.
UPDATE: OK, whilst I still think my point stands, there is no excuse for the near blackout of information we are getting now after nearly 7 days. Sony really have had long enough to at least reassure all ID holders that their private information is indeed safe, and offer a feasible time frame for getting services back up and running. I still don’t think that raging and/or compensation claims carry any weight, but Sony needs to clarify both what they are doing, what is secure, and what they plan to do for people with online gaming subscriptions (such as for DC Universe, etc.). Just some information, please, Sony!