If you we're expecting to go online with your PlayStation 3 or PSP this weekend, you might want to make other plans. In the latest update from Sony Computer Entertainment on the status of its currently offline PlayStation Network, it sounds like we're in for a longer wait than we (or Sony) expected.
Sony said on Sunday that it planned to bring some of its PlayStation Network and Qriocity systems back online by end of week.
But a new message from SCEA's senior director of corporate communications Patrick Seybold provides little hope that will happen.
"We're still working to confirm the security of the network infrastructure, as well as working with a variety of outside entities to confirm with them of the security of the system," Seybold wrote this evening on the company's blog. "Verifying the system security is vital for the process of restoration. Additional comprehensive system checks and testing are still required, and we must complete that process before bringing the systems online."
On Thursday, Sony said it was beginning "the final stages of internal testing of the new system." The company's CEO, Sir Howard Stringer, apologized to customers in an open letter at the time.
Sony stressed in the past that it wouldn't bring its PlayStation Network services back online unless it was confident in the strength and security of its system. Based on the following statement, it sounds like Sony may not have been aware of the scope or severity of its problems when it made promises to bring PSN back online in the time frame provided.
"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," Seybold wrote. "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."
So, exercise more patience, PlayStation owners. It sounds like we're going to be waiting even longer to see each other back online anytime soon.
Service Restoration Update [PlayStation.blog]