FACEPALM: Sony may never know what hackers stole

Wow, great timing. Everyone is hyped and distracted by E3, and Sony lets this slip ... Kotaku has the full story, but here's the important bit:

"We do know that the information was accessed," Sony Computer Entertainment boss Kaz Hirai said in an recent BBC interview. "We don't know what part of the accounts were taken from our servers." The hackers might have stolen first names or just the last four digits of telephone numbers.

"It could be the entire account information," Hirai added. "We just don't know."

That's not all Sony doesn't know. Hirai said that the intruders were "very good" at covering their tracks on their way out of Sony's servers.

Ugh.

E3 2011: Sony Press Conference Digest

Ok, in the interest of full disclosure, I was not thrilled with Sony's E3 press event being held at the same time as my beloved Bruins were playing Game 3 of the Stanley Cup. But thanks to modern technology, I was able to watch the live internet stream while cheering for the Bruins.

Right off the bat it's worth mentioning Sony Computer Entertainment's Jack Tretton got up in front of everyone at E3 and personally apologized for the PSN outage. Here's what he had to say to gamers like you and I:

To PS3 players, Tretton said, "You are the lifeblood of the company. Without you there is no PlayStation. And I want to apologize personally and on behalf of the company for any anxiety we've caused.

"I know we've taken you away from what you really enjoy doing," said Tretton. "It's you who cause us to be humble and amazed at the amount of support you give to the PlayStation brand."

Moving on from that, there werent many surprised in terms of games from Sony, but the biggest news was the official naming of the NGP - It's PSVita as was rumored not so long ago. While the name hasn't really settled with me yet, the $249 price tag has. Way to go Sony - seriously. This is going to result in an impressive generation of handheld gaming with both major players priced at $249 for wifi only devices. Honestly I am not interested in the 3G PSVita as AT&T already gets enough out of my paycheck every month as it is. I was convinced this system wouldn't retail for less than $399, and I am happy to eat crow.

The other big hardware announcement was a PlayStation branded 24inch 3DTV that is said to make the entry into 3D quite a bit more affordable. I look forward to seeing the retail price for this unit, as I'm in the market for a bedroom HDTV. Sony also announced matching active shutter glasses for this set (and for any 3dTV that supports those style of glasses), again said to have a good price point to make it easy to get into 3D.

Sony announced a new God of War collection - God of War Origins - which are PS3 ports of the PSP GOW games. This is most welcome - more Kratos is ALWAYS a good thing. Sony also mentioned the US release of the Ico/Shadow of the Colossus HD pack - both collections will hit retail in September. ("Hurry up and take my money!")

The people behind EVE Online announced it's shooter title Dust 514 would be a PS3 exclusive and somehow tie into the existing MMO game. To be blunt, this game didn't seem to bring anything new to the table based on the footage we saw, but I will keep my eye on this to see what is in store.

Irrational Games then hit the stage to show off a gameplay trailer for Bioshock Infinite and to announce a Bioshock title was coming to the PSVita. It was also announced that the original Bioshock would be included on the Bioshock Infinite disk for PS3.

Was it me or did it seem like the PSVita was getting party/cross game chat? I do hope that if this is the case we also get this long-overdue functionality on the PS3.

(Up next - Nintendo!)

WOOT: PlayStation Welcome Back package available now!

Sony just sent out this update:

Today, we’re excited to launch the Welcome Back program to thank you for your loyalty, and below, we’ve got what you need in order to get access to the included content. So, here’s a list of questions about the program. If you don’t see your question below, mention it in the comments and we’ll do our best to provide an answer. Thanks again for your patience and understanding as we restored the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services – your support has meant a lot to us and is greatly appreciated.

What are YOU planning to grab?!

PlayStation Store is back, but with a catch...

At last! Er wait... no Welcome Back package yet? They need to "test" content? This makes no sense. Here's the word from Sony:

The PlayStation Store is back online and thank you everyone for your patience. You will notice a huge lineup of new downloadable games, demos, add-on content, themes, avatars and videos. Also, PlayStation Plus has been updated with new full game trials, free games and DLC, free avatars and even more discounts.

You may have noticed that the content promised as part of the Welcome Back offer is not yet live. It is currently in the final stages of testing and will be available to download soon; we’ll be sure to let you know when.

ALERT: PSN Maintenance today

Direct from Sony's Blog:

Starting soon, the PlayStation Network will be inaccessible for several hours for maintenance. The server maintenance performed at this time represents a crucial step in the full restoration for PSN, including the PlayStation Store.

During this maintenance period, users will be unable to sign in to PSN, though those that are already logged in should be able to remain online.

Resumption of full PlayStation Network service is still on track for this week in most regions.

Thank you once again for your patience as we work to return PSN to the highest level of service.

I've got my fingers crossed the PlayStation Store will return as a result of this.

PlayStation Store to return "this week"

Well, so much for full PSN restoration by May 31st. Sony's PlayStation blog has shared the latest press release:

Tokyo, May 31, 2011 – Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced today that Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) will fully restore all PlayStation®Network services in the Americas, Europe/PAL territories and Asia, excluding Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea by the end of this week.

I really do hope this will be the last delay.

PlayStation store not returning today

Direct from Sony just now:

For those asking about the PlayStation Store, we’re still targeting restoration of all services by the end of this month. Contrary to reports, the Store will not be publishing today.

Damn!

SLOW NEWS DAY: SEGA Rally Online video!

The classic arcade racer returns as a downloadable title on both the Xbox 360 and the PS3, and hot damn does it look look nice. The original game was a blast in arcades and on the Saturn, and adding proper online multiplayer sounds like a winning combination. Priced right this might sell like hotcakes.

PlayStation Store to return May 24th?

Gamasutra apparently got a hold of an internal memo from Sony to it's publishers/developers claiming the PlayStation Store would be back online May 24th:

Barring any additional problems, Sony plans to bring the PlayStation Store back online next Tuesday, May 24, according to a memo sent to Sony's game developer and publishing partners.

The company has sent a tentative publishing schedule to partners detailing when their games, expansions and other releases will become available to players. In the memo, obtained by Gamasutra, Sony unveils plans to do two content pushes per week for the next two weeks to catch up with the backlog of content.

They go on with some details:

The first push, set to coincide with the PlayStation Store's reopening, will distribute content that was originally scheduled to publish on April 26. Three days later on the 27th, another round of games will go live, which were originally scheduled for May 3.

The following week, pushes will take place on May 31 and June 3, using content that originally had been planned to be spread over three weeks. At that point, the company will be back on schedule and, presumably, return to a single content push per week.

So we've got a flood of content to look forward to in the coming weeks - so long as nothing unexpected happens (*crosses fingers*).

Sony clarifies PSN password situation

Here's the latest from Sony's PlayStation blog:

We temporarily took down the PSN and Qriocity password reset page. Contrary to some reports, there was no hack involved. In the process of resetting of passwords there was a URL exploit that we have subsequently fixed.

Consumers who haven’t reset their passwords for PSN are still encouraged to do so directly on their PS3. Otherwise, they can continue to do so via the website as soon as we bring that site back up.

Hopefully this is sorted out quickly...

Ugh. Sony's PSN password reset web site hacked

Seriously?!

Sony's PlayStation Network password reset system-the one just put in place after the PSN hack-has been compromised, allowing hackers to change a PSN password if they know your email and date of birth. Exactly the sort of information that was released in the original hack

...*facepalm*

Sony Details "Customer Appreciation Program"

Sony has just updated it's official blog with details of the Welcome Back/Customer Appreciation Program.

As expected, PS3 users will have their choice of 2 games (from a list of 5) and PSP users will have a choice of 2 (from a list of 4). Sony is being extraordinarily generous with this offering - there is no doubt about that when you see this list of games.

All PlayStation Network customers can select two PS3 games from the following list. The games will be available for 30 days shortly after PlayStation Store is restored and can be kept forever.

- Dead Nation
- inFAMOUS
- LittleBigPlanet
- Super Stardust HD
- Wipeout HD + Fury

For PSP owners, you will be eligible to download two PSP games from the following list. The games will be available for 30 days shortly after PlayStation Store is restored and can be kept forever.

- LittleBigPlanet (PSP)
- ModNation Racers
- Pursuit Force
- Killzone Liberation

Personally, I plan to snag Dead Nation and LittleBigPlanet (I already own every other title on the list #firstworldproblems) on the PS3.

Sony goes on with more:

- A selection of “On Us” rental movie titles will be available to PlayStation Network customers over one weekend, where Video Service is available. Those titles will be announced soon.
- 30 days free PlayStation Plus membership for non PlayStation Plus subscribers.
- Existing PlayStation Plus subscribers will receive an additional 60 days of free subscription.
- Existing Music Unlimited Premium Trial subscription members will receive an additional 30 days of free premium subscription.
- Additional 30 days + time lost for existing members of Music Unlimited Premium/Basic subscription free of charge for existing Premium/Basic members.
- To welcome users Home, PlayStation Home will be offering 100 free virtual items. Additional free content will be released soon, including the next addition to the Home Mansion personal space, and Ooblag’s Alien Casino, an exclusive game.

Wow. Yes, the PSN outage sucked, but I humbly tip my hat to you Sony.

Current Gaming

So I seem to be back in an RPG phase. I picked up a cheap, used copy of Dragon Quest IX for the DS (playing it on my 3DS of course) yesterday and it is really scratching this itch I've had for a classic JRPG. Currently, I've got about 4.5hrs sunk into it and I can tell you that if you're looking for an innovative JRPG, this is not for you.

DQ9 is a classic turn based RPG, you can choose to attack with weapons, use items or cast spells. Seriously, there isn't anything here that any RPG vet hasn't seen before. This is not a bad thing - it's catering to a specific part of the market, and doing so very well.

DQ9 really shines graphically. It's a fully 3D game that really appears to have pushed the DS' hardware to it's limit. The animation is smooth and fluid, but you will notice it's age after playing some of the current 3DS titles. I do hope a new Dragon Quest title comes to the 3DS - the new hardware could make for a spectacular title.

I've also resumed playing the latest in one of my favorite RPG series - Gran Turismo 5. With the help of a friend, I've managed to get each license test cleared. This has leveled me up, opening up better paying races - which of course has lead to more and better cars. Good times.

'til next time!

PSN Outage: 4/20/2011 - 5/14/2011

PSN Restoration has begun! Click HERE to keep track of it's progress.

Thank you for your patience and encouragement over the last few weeks. As covered in the post from earlier today, you can now update the firmware on your PS3 and change your password. Kazuo Hirai just announced that we have begun the phased restoration by region of some of the services, starting with online multiplayer functionality.

Whew. Thank goodness this is over.

PSN Outage: PS3 Firmware 3.61 available now

According to IGN - PS3 Firmware 3.61 is live.

After nearly four weeks of silence from the PlayStation Network, the service is showing signs of life today. Start your PlayStation 3, and you'll be prompted to download Firmware 3.61. Aside from being the first mandatory download since the PSN was compromised, this update will force users to change their passwords when the PSN works again.

UPDATE: From the US PlayStation Blog:

We have been working on a new PS3 system software update that requires all PSN users to change their password once PlayStation Network is restored. The update (v3.61) is mandatory and is available now.

If using a PS3, your password can only be changed on your own PS3 (or a PS3 on which your PSN account was activated), as an added layer of security. If you have never downloaded any content using your account on the system, an email will be sent to the registered sign-in ID (email address) associated with your account when you first attempt to sign-in to PSN. This e-mail will contain a link that will enable you to change your password. In this email, click on the link and follow the instructions to change your password. Once you have changed your password you can sign-in to your account using your new password.

We strongly recommend that all PSN account holders with PS3s update their systems to prepare for when PlayStation Network is back online. The release of this update is a critical step as we work to make PlayStation Network significantly more secure. Thank you for your continued support and patience.

PSN Outage - Update from SCEA "...at least a few more days"

Here's the latest direct from the source:

I know you all want to know exactly when the services will be restored. At this time, I can’t give you an exact date, as it will likely be at least a few more days. We’re terribly sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work through this process.

"...at least a few more days"?

Ok, I am officially confused as hell. Bloomberg first reports all services will be restored by May 31st, then Sony jumps out to calm everyone down by re-assuring us that online multi-player is the top priority and will likely come back first, and now this 3 sentence update... What in the hell is actually going on here?

At this point, Sony is painted into a corner. The community is demanding more frequent updates, but at the end of the day the only update the community REALLY wants to hear is "PSN services have been restored" - All other updates just stir up the pot even more. It's a no-win situation, but I can't really bring myself to feel bad for Sony after all this.

I don't want Sony nor the PS3 to fail (really, I don't!), but something has got to give. I don't know if anyone care actually predict the long-term damage this downtime will result in, but I can say for sure that it will not be pretty. You're under a pretty hard deadline here Sony (imo that deadline is really E3) - If PSN isn't online and 100% functional by E3, all the free PSN content in the world won't be able to change how gamers will perceive your service as weak and lesser than the competition.

Uh oh.

What the ...

Some members of retailer GameStop's Power-Up Rewards Program received an e-mail today outlining a new deal that will net purchasers $100 off a brand-new PlayStation 3. As a "members-only exclusive," the e-mail states that 160 and 320 GB PS3s can be purchased using a special coupon members have access to, cutting $100 off the purchase price.

Yikes...

PSN Outage - SCEE clarifies May 31st restore date

Sony's European PlayStation Community just updated it's FAQ regarding the information that came from Bloomberg earlier:

Regarding the aim of the full restoration of PSN services by the 31st May :

Restoration of Online Gamplay is the FIRST phase of the plan to restore the PSN.

So with any luck, at least we should be able to play online before the 31st if this is true.

I'm sorry, but I'm a little annoyed that I had to originally hear about this from Bloomberg and NOT Sony directly...

PSN Outage - Bloomberg - "...plan to restart the services fully by May 31"

OWCH! May 31st?! 41 days of downtime?

Here's the blurg from Bloomberg:

The company is in the process of adopting an improved security system and its plan to restart the services fully by May 31 is unchanged, he said. Sony shut down the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services April 20 because of possible data theft by hackers.

The maker of PS consoles had planned to restart partial operations within a week after boosting the level of security system, the company said May 1.

Wow. I'm really at a loss here - 41 days of downtime? Even with the Welcome Back program, how on Earth will Sony recover from this? E3 starts on June 7th... is Sony honestly going to head into the belly of the beast with only a week of PSN uptime?!

UPDATED: PSN Outage - SCEE/SCEA Update - "We were unaware of the extent of the attack"

Yikes. This is from the European PlayStation Blog, but it doesn't sound too good...

When we held the press conference in Japan last week, based on what we knew, we expected to have the services online within a week. We were unaware of the extent of the attack on Sony Online Entertainment servers, and we are taking this opportunity to conduct further testing of the incredibly complex system. We know many of you are wanting to play games online, chat with your friends and enjoy all of the services PlayStation Network and Qriocity services have to offer, and trust me when I say we’re doing everything we can to make it happen. We will update you with more information as soon as we have it. We apologize for the delay and inconvenience of this network outage.

Err... The way i'm reading that? "Sorry, but we're not ready yet. Maybe next week."

UPDATE: SCEA has posted the exact same message.